Northlands horse racing track closure lamented by southern Alberta trainer

After more than a century, Northlands horse racing track in Edmonton has announced it will close the track after the 2016 season.

The cash-strapped non-profit organization that runs the track hasannounced ambitious redevelopment plans that aims to keep the site relevant as Edmonton's new ice district draws visitors downtown.

• Horse racing in Edmonton coming down the home stretch

CalgaryEyeopener host David Gray interviewed Olds-based second generation horse trainerCraig Smith for his reaction to the news.

"It's definitely a big blow for the industry," said Smith.

"There are over 7,000 people employed by horseracing in the province. We're big contributors to the lottery fund.It's taking money away from the province if one of those plants closes down."

Smith rejected the suggestion that the Northlands closure means horse racing is dying in Alberta.

"It's a different industry than it has been in the past," he said."But ... it's still a strong industry [with]new people becoming involved. There's a program at Olds College that generates new employees for us every year."

Smith said attendance at races has gone up and down over the years.

Horse racing community caught by surprise

Smith saidhe didn't think anyone in the horse racing community expected the Northlands announcement, and that losing Northlands will force the industry to look for other venues.

His horse owner clients are concerned, asking him whether theyshould breed their mares:a three- to four-year project that only makes sense if the future of the industry looks secure.

Smith said the Northlands news will "definitely" mean fewer horses will be bred in Alberta.

"Idon't think anybody really has a Plan B right now.You know there's been some groups come forward.Clients are obviously concerned becausethey've got a big investment, and they're wanting to know what the future looks like, and right now we just need to sit down and come up with a plan of action."

For Smith, the Northlands closure marks the end of an era, buthe alsoworries it will divide Albertans.

"In my mind, it furthers the disconnect between rural and urban Alberta. You could go right out your back door, see horse racing, see horses, see horse peopleand it's definitely concerning anddefinitely an issue."

Will the newBalzactrack pick up the slack?

Smith noted that Century casino and racetrackwill to be very important to Alberta horse racers, but at the moment it does not havea thoroughbred facility.

• Century Downs horse racing a big boost for the industry

"They want thoroughbred racing there, and we're definitely wanting to race there," he said.

Thoroughbred racing requires stabling and a different kind of track surface than standard bred horses, so Smith said the province really needs more tracks for the industry to thrive.

So for now, Calgarians who want to see thoroughbred racing will have to visit the local casinos that hostoff track betting.