Marquis Downs is getting out of the horse racing business and Moosomin First Nation is planning to fill the gap using its Treaty Land Entitlement property in the RM of Corman Park. A joint . . .
Despite a cancelled thoroughbred racing season at Marquis Downs in Saskatoon this year, a new racing organization held its first weekend of races on the track this weekend.
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Former mayor Henry Dayday signed the current lease with Prairieland Park in 1995.
The 50-year lease expires in 2045, but if Prairieland Park decides it wants another 20 years under the same terms, a renewal clause kicks in.
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Try refreshing your browser, or Tank: Prairieland Park outdated model as custodian of Saskatoon land Back to video
So the land owned by the City of Saskatoon taxpayers, actually could be controlled by a corporation that is unaccountable to city council or the public for 70 years.
If that sounds like a lousy idea, that’s what the City of Regina thought about Evraz Place, a similar entity.
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Horse racing supporters pleaded with councillors on the city’s planning, development and community services committee on Monday to prevent the end of thoroughbred racing at Saskatchewan’s only track.
Prairieland Park Corp. earlier this year announced it plans to permanently end thoroughbred racing at Marquis Downs in Saskatoon and bring in Canadian Premier League soccer instead.
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Try refreshing your browser. Sask. horse industry presses case before city committee Back to video
Eight speakers addressed the committee, some pointing to generations of their families’ participation in the horse racing industry; others described how they came to the sport despite having no prior background with horses. Many emphasized the Indigenous connection to racing at Marquis Downs. All said closing the track would effectively end the industry in Saskatchewan.
By Brad Jennings
May 10, 2021 | 1:53 PM
Numerous speakers attended the City’s Planning and Development committee Monday regarding concerns over Prairieland Park’s shutdown of Marquis Downs.
Eddie Esquirol, President of the Saskatchewan Division of the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association says in addition to how horse racing benefits the province’s economy, agribusiness and employment, even more important is how it helps youth.
“I’ve seen at risk youth come to the track and work in the back stretch. Here they learn to care for animals, how to do chores, and how to work with mentors who come from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and will teach them responsibility and pride.”