HRBC NEWLY LAUNCHED WEBSITE: Due to www.harnessracingbc.com website no longer functioning,please redirect to: www.harnessracingbc.org
January 29, 2021 Update
Please be advised that HRBC continues to engage with the provincial government regarding our request to fund horse racing for the 2021 race meet. On Monday, January 25, 2021 HRBC and the thoroughbred associations had a video conference with several government officials in responding to several questions that had arisen from our presentations. We have responded to them and once again expressed our urgency for funding. We would hope to hear back in the next few weeks and the moment we receive further news, HRBC will inform the membership accordingly. As you may have heard; unfortunately, HRBC must cut the balance of the last two weeks of February and will reschedule the race meet to begin on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 providing financial assistance has been confirmed. To assist the members during this difficult time, myself and the Executive will discuss this issue with the board and hopefully we will be able to move forward with a February subsidy program for race horses once again. We appreciate your understanding and patience in these uncertain times.
MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NIGEL HOLMES
To all members,
Yesterday afternoon at 4:30pm, I received a phone call from our lobbyist with an update for HRBC and HPBA, on the status of our request for funding assistance from the provincial government for the 2021 racing season. Our request has been reviewed by the minister, since our presentation is a very detailed one it has obviously created several questions that require very detailed explanations, from both breeds. We are working as expediently as possible to get our answers to the questions. We hope to have a response completed for the government finished and submitted in the next few days.
Since we have not yet received a positive response for funding we are now unfortunately forced to cancel the first two weeks of February, the 4 deleted race days along with the 4 days from January will be added to the end of our spring meet. This cancellation for the first two weeks of February would mean that our first race day for now would be Wednesday, February 17, 2021.
As we had previously requested we would have hoped people and certain members would not have chosen to use social media to voice their concerns and opinions. The time they spend doing this would be far better spent in writing constructive letters to their individual MLA’s. The damage done by being critical of all the segments of our business can only hurt at this stage, especially as negotiations are ongoing.
Your patience has been appreciated and I can understand any and all frustrations. I understand your options are limited. I can only tell you that both breeds are working diligently as possible to achieve our goal of full race meet for 2021. We will get any new information to you as soon as we receive moving forward.
Sincerely,
Nigel Holmes
HOW TO PURCHASE A MICROCHIP READER:
Breeders and members of SC will be able to buy scanners - there are two available to select from - directly from SC at a discounted price.
The Universal HomeScan Reader is the size of a cell phone and will read and display the microchip number and temperature of the equine, and requires 2 AA batteries. This scanner will be available for purchase by SC members for $80, plus shipping and applicable taxes, and $95 for non-members, plus shipping and applicable taxes.
The Universal WorldScan Reader Plus offers faster microchip detection, USB or wireless Bluetooth connectivity. It's designed for increased durability and protection against moisture, longer battery life, sleek contoured design and comes with a protective storage case. It reads the microchip number and temperature on its display and the USB and Bluetooth interfaces allow for easy electronic transfer of microchip ID codes to your phone or any computer.
The Reader Plus is priced at $375 for SC members, plus shipping and applicable taxes, or $450 for non-members plus shipping and applicable taxes.
If you wish to purchase a scanner, contact Linda Bedard at Standardbred Canada at (905) 858-3060 x 238 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Standardbred Canada does have the Microchip App available for download on a mobile device, this App is to find the identity of the horse, the App is free to download and to use. The Universal WorldScan Reader comes with software that can be downloaded for free, this allows you to change the scanner settings, turn on and off the Bluetooth, and can read the memory of the scanner. We do not have a software program that can record information on the horse and vet records at this time.
https://standardbredcanada.ca/notices/11-15-19/check-chip-get-scs-microchip-app.html
PURSE CHEQUE UPDATE - Please be advised that purse cheques from Saturday, December 26th racing will be ready to distribute on December 31st at 12:00 Noon.
ATTENTION MEMBERS: Please be advised that the HRBC Website is currently down, accessibilty to the menu is unavailable at this time. We do apologize for the inconvenience.
REMINDERS: 2021 HRBC MEMBERSHIP DUE - DECEMBER 31ST, 2020
Please be advised that the 2021 application form and annual membership dues must be received by December 31, 2020 to be a member in good standings.
HRBC NOTICE: JANUARY 2021 RACE DATES
Please be advised that we have been forced to cancel our scheduled 4 race dates in January 2021. The decision was made as our funding request for 2021 has not been presented to the responsible ministry in government. We are anticipating that our industry decision note will be presented to the government week of January 4, 2021. If we are to receive a favourable response we would schedule Wednesday, February 3, 2021 as our first race date.
We appreciate your patience and understanding in these tough times.
ATTENTION MEMBERS: BC RECOVERY BENEFIT
British Columbians will soon be able to apply for the BC Recovery Benefit. This one-time, tax-free payment of up to $1,000 for families and single parents, and up to $500 for individuals, will help support British Columbians who are dealing with the pressures of COVID-19.
To apply and determine eligibility you will need your:
✅ Social insurance number
✅ 2019 income tax notice of assessment from the CRA ✅ If applicable, spouse’s 2019 income tax notice of assessment from the CRA ✅ Direct deposit information
Learn more: gov.bc.ca/recoverybenefit
FRASER DOWNS BACKSTRETCH ENTY : Please view document and link below regarding ACTIVE SCREENING
ACTIVE SCREENING - Please read document
https://questionnaire.simplesurvey.com/f/l/3jNQwuTFBE - click link to view for download to your device
Members,
To help you with understanding what financial help is available from the government due to COVID-19, please find attached files that offer the information you will need to apply.
COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information - Printable
COVID-19 Provincial Action Plan, Tax Changes - Printable
Please be advised that Elements Casino will temporarily suspend all operations as of Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 11:59 pm. With regards to whether or not racing has been cancelled has not as yet been determined but will offer an update once we have confirmation.
We appreciate your understanding during this unprecedented situation.
HARNESS THE VISION...At Harness Racing BC, we strive to provide quality, exciting races to increase revenue for our industry participants and the government. Harness Racing in Cloverdale contributes substantially to the BC economic sectors more than most sports and entertainment through job creation in a variety of sectors - agriculture, hospitality, tourism and careers directly related to working with the horses in the racing industry
photo credit: Darren Lupul