In a report discussing the future of the Ontario horse-racing industry, Western Fair District chief executive Hugh Mitchell has gone on the record as reiterating that he believes it is best for the provincial horse-racing industry to refocus its business model in 2013 amid a period of forced contraction.
Mitchell's comments have come in an article by
The London Free Press. In the midst of what the majority of provincial horsemen are referring to as the Ontario industry's darkest hour, the veteran raceway administrator is looking at 2013 as an opportunity for the industry to adjust its out-of-date business model.
“I see us getting to the point where there are fewer tracks," Mitchell said. "The (financial) model we now have is decades old, it is outdated. I am bullish on the opportunity that lies ahead, but the industry needs to contract (to survive).”
Later in the report, Mitchell referred to the fact that the industry must become more reliant on pari-mutuel handle. He stated that the handle reliance would 'right-size' the business, which he states must become "more consumer-driven."
(With files from The London Free Press)
