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They’re in the home stretch now at Edmonton Northlands, and there is growing fear that the finish line is in sight for horse racing in the city, and perhaps the province.

Horse Racing Alberta and the provincial government are still said to be discussing an extension of a financial agreement that diverts about $21 million annually in slot machine money to prop up the declining horse-racing industry.

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That revenue is vital to the continuation of racing at Northlands Park, but Northlands is in a state of flux; it has a strategic vision for the future, and cannot wait for those talks to reach a conclusion before taking action.

On Wednesday, Northlands president Tim Reid unveiled to employees and volunteers the organization’s business plan for life after the Edmonton Oilers, who are moving to Rogers Place downtown for the 2016-17 NHL season. They will take vital hockey-related revenue out of the Northlands coffers when they go.