Jobs and horses might not survive if Truro Raceway dies

TRURO — The largest horse racing track in Nova Scotia will close in less than a week.

The Truro Raceway has been slowly descending into financial trouble. Officials say they can no longer afford to operate the track.

“This didn’t happen overnight,” said Roger MacCallum, General Manager of the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition.

“It’s been year after year that it’s been building up.”

MacCallum’s name appeared on a letter from the track’s board of directors, sent to more than 155 employees. It states the track will be closed as of July 15, and all personal items — including horses — must be removed within a month.

“This is totally ridiculous,” said Steve Morton, President of the Truro Harness Horse Owners Association.

“There’s 200 horses here. There’s 155 people that are employed here. Part-time and full-time employment. There’s families here that depend on this track.”

“Where can we put 200 horses and find a place to board them? We have no idea.”

He says a track in PEI is already near capacity and limited rehoming spots are available.

Many owners pay for their horse’s boarding with race winnings. Some say without races, they’ll be faced with an awful decision.

“It’s not the best option but some could ultimately be euthanized or slaughtered,” said Kyle Burton, a horse owner and Truro Raceway’s track photographer.

“If we can’t rehome them, and people can’t afford to keep them anymore because they’re not racing, it’s obviously an option.”

The board of directors says it would welcome any offers from someone interested in operating the track. However, it adds that the industry has been on a significant decline ever since video lottery terminals and online gambling gained popularity.