Attractions Hippiques confirms its intention
to build a racetrack north of Montreal 

Paul J. Massicotte seeks to resume the complete program of races as quickly as possible, stressing the growth in business at racetracks  

MONTREAL, March 25, 2008 – In light of information and current rumours about the future of the Ludoplexes, Attractions Hippiques confirms that it still intends to build a racetrack adjacent to a Ludoplex north of Montreal and to complete the program of races and the awarding of purses as specified in its agreement with the government.  However, Mr. Paul J. Massicotte, owner of Attractions Hippiques, stresses that a solution to the lack of customer traffic at the Ludoplexes is a critical condition to the success of his company’s business plan, which manages the horse racetracks and race programs in Quebec.

“It is the government that put the success of the Ludoplexes at the centre of the equation to ensure the profitability of the racetracks,” said Mr. Massicotte.  “While waiting for the government to succeed in making a success of the business model it developed, Attractions Hippiques is taking all necessary steps to ensure the survival of the horse racing industry.  Indeed, we still believe that the renewal of this industry is within our reach, as demonstrated by the attendance of 8,000 to 10,000 people in the very first year at each of our major events, such as the Prix du Québec, the Coupe de l’Avenir or the Rendez-vous des Champions, among others.”

“We are still looking for a property in the region north of Montreal in order to build a racetrack adjacent to a Ludoplex,” emphasized the owner of Attractions Hippiques.

“The racetracks are the horse racing industry’s showcase and key marketing tool.  Without racetracks, the entire industry would disappear, including breeders, trainers, drivers, grooms, transportation providers, restaurant owners, etc.,” said Mr. Massicotte, who insisted on the fact that his company is also a victim of the faulty business model imposed upon it by the government, since “our clientele has responded well to the close to $40 million that Attractions Hippiques has invested in the racetracks, but the reduction in the race program due to the underperformance of the Ludoplexes is hurting the results of our investments.”

Mr. Massicotte repeated his support for the industry’s renewal.  “In Trois-Rivières and Quebec City alone, we invested $38 million, which is $15 million above and beyond our commitment to the government.  Now, we want to invest in the region north of Montreal.  The solution for this lies in the government’s hands.  It absolutely must propose a solution for the problem related to the Ludoplexes,“ said the owner of Attractions Hippiques.

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INFORMATION:
Jean-Paul Lejeune
Cell: (514) 823-2351
e-mail: jplejeune@national.ca