American horsemen in Canada?

Megiste · Postby **Megiste** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:53 am

Just wondering if there's some/any Michigan/New York/Ohio horsemen racing at Fort Erie? Is it something that is well accepted or is it a bit "closed." Aside from the obvious, is it difficult to establish a presence at the tracks? Are there any Ontario trainers that work specifically with American owners/breeders? Thanks!

westover · Postby **westover** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 11:14 pm

Roger Attfield has many American owners.. (Woodbine)
Mark Cassie has American owners ...

wilf · Postby **wilf** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 11:29 am

I go there every year from here in Ocala,stalls are not a problem now as the purses have dropped due to the slump at the slots over competition from everywhere,however the dollar is almost par . It's fine if someone else is footing the bill but as an owner/trainer it's tough. Nice place to be in the summer ,next to the Niagara River and between two Great Lakes. Of course if you have a Woodbine horse you are in good shape as long as it takes to the Polytrack surface there, it's a 90 minute trip.Worker's Comp is cheap and hay is fair but the taxes kill you 8% provincial and 7% GST. The border crossing in is easy for horses but the return to USA is a pain. Like anywhere if you're doing good it's the best ,otherwise it's tough. Finger Lakes is 90 mins plus border xing, Presque Isle about the same.

Daisy Jal Dastur · Postby **Daisy Jal Dastur** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 7:29 am

wilf wrote:I go there every year from here in Ocala,stalls are not a problem now as the purses have dropped due to the slump at the slots over competition from everywhere,however the dollar is almost par . It's fine if someone else is footing the bill but as an owner/trainer it's tough. Nice place to be in the summer ,next to the Niagara River and between two Great Lakes. Of course if you have a Woodbine horse you are in good shape as long as it takes to the Polytrack surface there, it's a 90 minute trip.Worker's Comp is cheap and hay is fair but the taxes kill you 8% provincial and 7% GST. The border crossing in is easy for horses but the return to USA is a pain. Like anywhere if you're doing good it's the best ,otherwise it's tough. Finger Lakes is 90 mins plus border xing, Presque Isle about the same.

Well, at least the GST is now 5%... not a big thing, but every little bit helps!

madelyn · Postby **madelyn** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 8:05 am

Did GST go DOWN?? Amazing if it's true.

Daisy Jal Dastur · Postby **Daisy Jal Dastur** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 8:29 am

madelyn wrote:Did GST go DOWN?? Amazing if it's true.

Yup! Believe it or not!

Jean · Postby **Jean** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:41 am

Greg Tracey trains in Alberta and has a 40 head stable

Tucumcari · Postby **Tucumcari** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 7:11 am

Yep, and he is cross border all of the time.
People get picky no matter which way you go, whether it be Canada to US or vice versa, People start to quibble some when a Canadian trains for an American on US soil, and vice versa. You know the old "Immigrants" taking away from citizens kind of thing. That's where people find the most trouble. And some people don't care at all. Some do.

Megiste · Postby **Megiste** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 3:12 pm

Didn't know about the taxes and I've had some experience at the border but it seemed to be manageable with the proper papers.
I've met a few FE trainers and look forward to the upcoming meet.

Tucumcari · Postby **Tucumcari** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 11:22 pm

It is apparently supposed to get tougher to cross... thank God for dual and then marriage if necessary

AscotStud · Postby **AscotStud** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 12:57 am

If you claim one of me I'm gonna come and getcha Megiste. Just kidding, but there are people who will want to getcha if you claim off them...because well they have horses. And you are not allowed to claim off someone without being a jerk...you should let that person jam their horse over and over again. Welcome to grade 2, have fun, maybe I'll run into you .

westover · Postby **westover** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 4:03 pm

I personally feel the X border stuff brings a lot to the table for all.
I have 0 issue with it. As i have said before it will push breeders to better their own stock in Canada. Always enjoy seeing the American's come up to race. After all playing in your back yard with the same kids everyday can get boring!!!