As horse racing grows in popularity, fans hope for more government investment

Hundreds gatheredatLeamingtonRacewayat theLeamingtonFairgrounds Sunday afternoon to enjoy a once highly popularpastime in Windsor-Essex:horse racing.

Some fans say the interest was never lost.

BrantCowanhas been coming to horse races for about forty years. He said he bets only a few dollarsbut chooses to attend the races for the entertainment.

"I think the government has got to look at it as a family-oriented thing and keep all these horses and people working in the industry," saidCowan.

SammyYoussefhasbeen attending horse races since the 1980s.

"Live racing is excellent," saidYoussef. "Now they got them in theteletheatre... it's not as good as when you're here live."

He said he's also noticed a growth in attendance at the race track.

Youssefsaid he enjoysLeamingtonRaceway, but missesWindsor's Raceway, which closed in 2012.

"They [had] a lot more horses, a lot more pursemoney, and a lot more trainers and drivers."

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Mark Williams, a driver and the president of the Lakeshore Horse Racing Association, said there is"no comparison" between Windsor Raceway andLeamington's.

"Windsor Raceway was the second highest betting jurisdiction in all of Canada for years. ... We went from 100 races down to 13," said Williams.

The Ontario government cancelledthe Slots at Racetracks Program in 2012, markingthe end of Windsor Raceway.

LeamingtonRaceway kicked off their 13-week season earlier this month, offeringfree admission and free parking.

'Political will'

"We're already proving that we're overflowing at this grandstand and the people are coming to absolutely support us in a big way," said Williams, adding "it will take political will" to expand the raceway.

"But, racing is racing. At least we have some."