Out of the gate

Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman is once again riding to the rescue of the province's horse racing industry. Back in 2005, we reported how Mr. Coleman, who was then the province's solicitor general, received a $400 Swarovski crystal statute from the Canadian Thoroughbred Society (British Columbia division) and Hastings Entertainment Inc. as a token of appreciation for supporting that industry. This, after 600 slot machines were approved for installation at Hastings Racecourse. And now Minister Coleman has announced a new management committee that will setup a "more efficient financial management structure" for the industry and develop a "marketing strategy" to increase its revenue. Among the committee's members is Glen Todd, the largest thoroughbred owner in B.C. whose racing partner is former Liberal campaign co-chair Patrick Kinsella.