Days before the Standardbred Wagering Conference took place in Montreal, we posted a poll question, asking whether "real change" would occur as a result. Eighty-four per cent of respondents replied, "no".
From what I can tell, those who make up that resounding majority fall into two categories: People who think everything is okay, and the discussion is not worth having, and those who believe that problems exist and a lack of leadership will prevent anything meaningful from occurring.
Based on emails and calls I receive daily, few are in the "all is well" camp, leaving most frustrated, angry and with modest expectations.
The lack of faith in leadership is not without merit. Many of you dedicate your lives to harness racing, continually perfecting your craft. You have built a business around the sport.
At the Conference, there was a unanimous call for change and, I believe, a sense of relief in Standardbred Canada’s commitment to take a leadership role. As the not-for-profit organization representing all sectors of the standardbred industry in Canada, SC must stand up for the future of harness racing in this country instead of pointing to others to take the reins.
The organization is moving in that direction and the Wagering Conference was a big step. The months ahead are absolutely critical in developing, with every sector of the industry, a series of concrete objectives and goals for future development.
I am often left shaking my head by the barrage of negative talk we consume ourselves with. But lamenting our pessimistic attitude is probably worse than the approach itself. I will dust myself off and help lead the move forward, and I encourage you to do the same.
On backstretches, chat boards and emails across this great country, people are expressing their thoughts. I am reading more blog postings from disgruntled customers and for that I am quite thankful. I am not from the school of thought that believes open discussion is wrong or counterproductive.
There are a tremendous number of people in racing who are out there arguing for the good of this sport. But quite simply the horse needs to be harnessed, managed and directed toward some achievable goals. And there needs to be a real commitment to supporting those targets, from all sectors of the business.
I have learned a lot about vision in the last few weeks and the importance of deciding where you want to be in the future, and working toward that objective.
If you need inspiration, there is no shortage around us. Is the best horse you’ve ever come into contact with a quitter or a fighter? When a fellow participant in this sport is struggling with health or financial problems, does the racing fraternity urge him to quit or to fight? The industry offers support, funding, and a never-say-die attitude, because this sport is made up of good, hard-working and well-meaning people.
There’s nothing wrong with complaining about what’s not being done and who’s not doing it, but when the business plan gets drawn up, and you are asked to lend your time or make a financial commitment, will you be a quitter or a fighter?