The
25th annual World Trotting Conference arrived in Charlottetown, PEI
on Monday, August 14.
Delegates
and guests, from harness racing countries around the world, attended a welcome
reception at the Delta Prince Edward, which was highlighted by opening remarks
from Richard Brown, provincial Government House Leader and MLA for
Charlottetown. “Prince Edward Island is proud to host the World Trotting
Conference and the final leg of the World Driving Championship,” he said. “I
know we have a number of people here who have travelled thousands of miles to
be here, to share their knowledge.”
Brown
acknowledged that there are “challenges” facing the Canadian and Prince Edward
Island harness racing industries, adding that the WTC offered collaborative
opportunities to bolster the sport’s popularity. “I look forward to the
discussion at this conference, and the new ideas on how we can bring the
industry back to the greatness it once was,” he said.
Dan
Gall, Standardbred Canada President and CEO, thanked Sweden for allowing Canada
to host the WTC and WDC during a milestone year. Sweden will instead host the
next WTC, in 2019. “This is our 250th anniversary of horse racing in
Canada,” said Gall. “250 years ago, the first-ever recorded race was happening
on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec… and we are also celebrating our 150th
anniversary as a country.”
Earlier
in the day, the International Trotting Association’s Constitution and
Regulation Committee met for the opening meeting of the six-day global
conference.
The
WTC resumes on Tuesday, August 15, with official opening ceremonies at 9 am,
and committee meetings throughout the day. Discussions will address matters
including equine health and integrity, racing and wagering, and marketing and
business development. The WTC Symposium will take place on Wednesday, August 16
and Thursday, August 17.
