Standardbred and Thoroughbred horse racing saw their official start across the Canadian provinces following weeks of hiatus. The first racetrack to greenlight live events once again was Red Shores Racetrack in Charlottetown which launched its new season on June 4. This day set the tone for racetracks across four provinces.
The Charlottetown Driving Park was the pioneer when it comes to this summer’s live racing with its first event bringing back fans of Standardbred racing commencing at 6 p.m. The first race witnessed renowned horses to the likes of C L La Rousse, Elm Grove Misty, and Jays Little Spark make a return to the world of live harness races. Red Shores’ General Manager David MacKenzie stated his contentment with the harness racing field.
Harness Racing
Mr. MacKenzie expressed his appreciation of the local horse people that went through a tough period over the past twelve weeks. This included horse owners, trainers, drivers, grooms, as well as shippers, veterinarians, and blacksmiths. Each and every individual has contributed to the harness horse racing field and their support has resulted in the successful start of the 2020 live racing season.
He also pointed out that Red Shores Summerside could reopen at the beginning of July. Woodbine Mohawk Park saw the official start of its harness racing season on June 5, following the example of racetracks across Canada. The live races are about to go without spectators making their way to the stands, as physical distancing is the recommended practice at the moment. Grand River Raceway was another Ontario location to greenlight its 10-race card on Friday.
Saturday was a busy day, as it saw some of the most renowned racetracks in Canada return to live racing. Kawartha Downs in Fraserville greenlighted its live events with ten riveting races. The first place during the first one was claimed by Master Smile with a driver Dana Lloyd. The purse of this event amounted to CA$3,400.
Winners
Hanover Raceway also greenlighted live racing on June 6 and this summer is about to see a shift in the post time, as the racetrack aims to occupy a less crowded time slot. The opening Saturday action with ten live races witnessed some CA$67,818, doubling the official start of the 2019 live racing season. Driver Doug McNair was among the successful drivers on June 6 with three won races.
Hiawatha Horse Park also witnessed ten live races this Saturday, bringing back harness racing drivers and racehorses. The first race for the day and the season saw Beauty is Blind emerge triumphantly. Driver Andy Moore became eligible for the purse of CA$4,600 at the end of the live event. Enthusiasts at home also had the chance to wager on the outcome of the ten races.
Rideau Carleton Raceway also witnessed the official launch of harness racing on June 7. Seven of the ten races were dominated by driver Guy Gagnon. Journalistic was the first winner of the day and the season. Mach Messier, Seeyou Men, Big Petes Style, Its Eds Idea, Jim Tom, and Cal Hanover were the horses driven by him who also managed to make it to the first place in seven of the ten races.
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