With the deal to acquire Hippodrome Trois-Rivières finalized the return of horse racing is made official

TROIS-RIVIÈRES, QC, May 30, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - To revive and revitalize the horse racing industry in Quebec, the Quebec Jockey Club is proud to annouce that it has completed the deal to acquire the Hippodrome Trois-Rivières, which had been closed since December 30, 2008.

Beginning next fall, the Hippodrome Trois-Rivières will once again welcome horse racing enthusiasts. It will present 10 programs of live racing, on Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings, from September 9 to October 9 inclusively.

After three years of sustained effort and success, the Quebec Jockey Club has finalized this significant acquisition, which will help restore a solid basis for the strong and dynamic horse racing industry in Quebec.

When it was founded in 2009, the Quebec Jockey Club developed its business plan based on the belief that the horse racing industry can thrive and contribute tangible economic value. In establishing itself as a non-profit organization, the Quebec Jockey Club promises increased revenue for horsemen by providing purses to the champions through the redistribution of the profits generated by its operations.

The development of the pari-mutuel betting system is the starting point for the revival of the horse racing industry, and the QJC's business plan will help ensure the durability and self-sufficiency of equestrian sports.

After making online betting accessible thanks to a partnership with the Ontario firm Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG), the Quebec Jockey Club is now focusing on opening its own network of betting parlours.

As of July, horse race betting will be offered in several betting parlours in Quebec, thereby offering an opportunity for entertainment that calls on analytical and strategic skills rather than pure chance.

With the acquisition of the Hippodrome, the industry now has a solid foundation on which to build. The transaction is part of the Quebec Jockey Club's vision to develop tools for improving the quality of entertainment and the value of recreation for horse racing fans.

The Quebec Jockey Club is definitely on the right track in its efforts to revitalize an industry that will bring great benefits in terms of job creation and economic activity, in addition to adding to government revenues, contributing favourably to regional development and increasing tourist attractions.

Three additional press releases from the press conference are available on the Quebec Jockey Club Website: www.clubjockeyduquebec.com

Source:
Vincent Trudel
General Manager
514-717-5899