The Saint John Exhibition Association recently decided not to renew the contract for harness racing in Saint John. Read below for full information on how people are impacted and how we can work together to positively help harness racing and the city of Saint John  

Most people don’t know the history of harness racing in Saint John. They also don’t know how much money it contributes to the economy on feed and hay etc. So can we at not least TRY and fight for it? The exhibition association makes a comment about making more productive use of the land. Was the exhibition association not an agricultural type association? What happened to the dog shows, the horse shows and the cattle shows? Everything is gone to Sussex to princess Louise. Why doesn’t Saint John do something like that? Why doesn’t the exhibition association think of putting a small building that can be used for betting and simulcast, and maybe attached to it a outdoor covered arena. Can be used in the summer for dog shows, horse sports etc. And why not flooded with ice in the winter? There’s not enough rinks  in the city- we all know that! Add a restaurant space for it for some franchise to open. They can rent it. Surely to god there is some sort of fight we can put up. Let’s face it, racing isn’t going to go to Woodstock. Where are the local people going to keep and train their horses? Even if we lose, I don’t think we should let this go. Is there a way we can dispute the decision? Surely we have to try? I know as a group we all don’t always get along, but surely this is a time to try to figure out something that will work for everyone? The passion for the sport is what keeps us connected.