Horse racetracks have been an intersection of rural and urban Alberta that has remained constant for more than a century and the evolution of the agrarian and petroleum economies.
The link between rural and urban ways of life, values and interests has become tattered and torn but remains unbroken.
Now one more bond between the two is threatened – once called the sport of kings, horse racing is now a sport for all of us.
After more than 100 years, this is the last year of horse racing at Northlands Park in Edmonton as the venue builds its future as a showbiz venue.
This is just one of the ripple effects of the Edmonton Oilers' move into a new arena closer to downtown, but it is a consequence that touches lives across the province.
Horse Racing Alberta has been running most of its races at Northlands, and the closure of one of Alberta's top-level racetracks is the more dangerous because the sport needs two.
The track for standardbreds has a different finish than the track for thoroughbreds. Until now, Century Downs Racetrack at Balzac and Northlands Park provided the diversity needed.
Racetracks for standardbreds and thoroughbreds are the visible pinnacle of the horse racing and horse breeding industry in the province that employs 7,000 people across the province, including here in Didsbury.
In stables, tack rooms, coffee shops and pastures across the province owners are asking, “should I breed my mare this spring?”
That is a question that affects not just the stable and the farm where the decision is made; it has consequences for the Alberta culture, economy and way of life.
A new foal is a four-year commitment of time and money for the teams of very smart horse people who raise, care for and train the magnificent horses that will, when they come of age, compete against each other for the trophies and honours.
Most of us have little to do with this activity directly; indirectly it shapes our perception of the province and the outlook for its future.
Alberta's culture, society and economy would be poorer without the horse racing and horse breeding industry.
Why?
Even Albertans who do not condone betting at or off the track appreciate the cultural need for centres of excellence in society. Horse racing and breeding provide one of those centres.
The Ontario government threw the province's horse racing industry under the bus, then realized its mistake and has spent $500 million to salvage it.
In negotiations between the new Alberta government and Horse Racing Alberta on a new deal for sharing gaming revenues, the provincial government appears to be committed to ensuring the long-term future of horse racing and horse breeding.
The present agreement expires in March. Sharing gaming revenues is the main external funding source for the industry, and there is every indication that Finance Minister Joe Ceci gets it and a deal will be forthcoming.
A new agreement with Horse Racing Alberta would also be a new bridge between rural Alberta and the NDP government.
Frank Dabbs is the editor of the Didsbury Review.
