Racino Royale, Inc. (“RR”) has confirmed that the Canadian Pari-Mutuel
Agency (CPMA) has granted the company’s racing permit. This was the last
hurdle RR had to go over before racing could commence at Big Valley Raceway
in Craven, Saskatchewan this Sunday, July 23, 2006. Since early June, RR has
been working towards insuring that harness racing could commence in Craven
by the end of July in order to provide the region’s horsemen with five
consecutive months of racing. Now, with the support of the Saskatchewan
Standardbred Horsemen’s Association (SSHA), regulatory approval from both
the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority and the CPMA, the Big Valley
Raceway site in Craven, Saskatchewan will once again feature harness racing.
RR announced last month that it had acquired the exclusive rights agreement
for a racino development opportunity in Regina, Saskatchewan, with the SSHA.
In short measure, the company has been steadily taking steps to secure a
foothold in the Saskatchewan racing industry with that goal in mind, however
this first step to revive racing in Craven is an indication of RR’s overall
commitment to harness racing in the region. “We are very excited about
opening day this Sunday,” said John G. Simmonds, CEO of RR. “While a small
location, Craven represents what this industry is all about: A love for
harness racing. We’re looking to build on that foundation, and this weekend
is just the beginning.”