Harness racing
Victoria Day matinee features 10-dash card
It’s a big holiday weekend of harness racing on P.E.I., with live programs scheduled for Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park on Saturday night, and a Victoria Day matinee at Red Shores at Summerside Raceway on Monday afternoon.
The 2017 harness racing season at Red Shores at Summerside Raceway opens up on Victoria Day (Monday). Post time for the 10-dash matinee program is 1 p.m. This year marks the 20th season for my harness racing column in the Journal Pioneer, and it’s also my 40th season of opening up a racetrack in some booth somewhere. There have been a few changes over those 40 years, from the removal of that dreaded hub rail – that we never needed in the first place – to the addition of the passing lane, and the quick hitch coupler. That’s not to mention how advanced the sound systems are, and how faster the times are.
For example, my first Governor’s Plate was timed in 2:03 and change – a track record at the time – compared to last year’s eye-popping mile of 1:51.4, which was also a track record.
Flashback
It was October 28, 1977, when I made my first professional call in Summerside. Trotter Zeeza Tata, in rein to Wally Dalziel, won my first pari-mutuel race. When Dick Steele and Jack Schurman’s stopwatch came to a halt, the winning time was 2:19.4.
Humble
I’ve been very fortunate to be the master of ceremonies for both Island tracks for several years. The two guest speakers for this year’s awards were Hall of Famers Bob MacIntosh and Doug Brown.
After the opportunity to sit down with both gentlemen, I was just in awe at how down to earth these guys were. They are two of the most decorated members of the sport, and are just “one of the boys.”
The Prince County Horseman’s Club and the P.E.I. Standardbred Horse Owners Association are to be congratulated for bringing two class acts to P.E.I., where audiences were treated to wonderful stories.
Good luck
The once Maritime powerhouse of Exhibition Park Raceway in Saint John, N.B., will also kick off its season on Monday. It will be a critical meet for Horse Racing New Brunswick, and the future may lay in the balance of a strong 2017.
The Quigg Stakes will launch the Saint John opener for threeyear-old pacing fillies and colts. Racing manager Kathy MacLean has put in some tireless hours preparing for the season, and the horsemen stabled at Exhibition Park Raceway have been quoted as saying, “The track surface is the best it’s been in over 10 years.”
The region needs our colleagues in New Brunswick for our industry to flourish. From my corner, I’m wishing them the best of luck!
Condolences
We lost a harness racing ambassador last week when the angels carried Shelley Gass up to heaven. She was a courageous lady, and an inspiration to all of us who knew her – always with her positive thoughts and an absolute pleasure to have a conversation with.
I can remember one time Caliban Hanover won a race, and I made mention of owner Wendell MacDonald and trainer/driver Ronnie Gass as sharing a lifetime friendship during the winner’s circle introduction.
The next thing you know my phone in the booth was ringing, and it was Shelley. She was so overwhelmed by just a little comment, and wanted to thank me for my kind words.
I’m very proud to say that Shelley and I were friends, and though she will not be with us in a physical sense, her spirit will never leave us. To Diane, Ronnie, Stephen and Alexis, as I wipe my tears, I send my sincere condolences.
Next week
Summerside Raceway will get back to their regular Sunday afternoons next week. The Ruby Chappell Memorial Stakes for three-year-old pacing fillies and the Bob Dewar Memorial Stakes for three-year-old pacing colts are featured.
This will bring the top performers in the Maritimes for that Sunday card.