Xtreme Horsepower Is Back!

Georgian Downs in partnership with Standardbred Canada today unveiled the condition sheet for the fourth edition of Xtreme Horsepower, set for August 28

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“Xtreme is the biggest party of the year at Georgian Downs. For racing fans, it offers something that can’t be seen anywhere in the world,” said Chris Roberts, Director of Racing Operations. “Of course, we’ve gone back to the drawing board to keep things fresh. Any fan of harness racing is going to want to mark their calendar.”

The 2010 condition sheet mixes the best from the earlier editions of Xtreme Horsepower with several new wrinkles. It features five 18-horse dashes, ranging in distance from one mile to 2-1/2 miles. The Xtreme Sprint and Xtreme Battle return at reduced distances of 1/8 miles and 5/8 miles respectively. Add in the Xtreme Rewind, raced clockwise, the Xtreme Shotgun, raced from a walking start, and the Xtreme Showdown, a national grudge match at 1-7/8 miles and you’ve got a card unlike any other on the planet.

“This will be my first edition of Xtreme Horsepower and judging from the condition sheet, it’s not an event to be missed,” said John Gallinger, President and CEO of Standardbred Canada. “It’s great to see horsepeople rally around a concept that pushes the envelope like Xtreme Horsepower does. Our team can’t wait for the gate to roll on August 28.”

For horsepeople, Xtreme Horsepower will again represent a lucrative purse option for their trotters and pacers. Total purses, including hitching fees will amount to $250,000. A payment of $300 will be made to all starters that do not earn purse money.

A summary of the conditions being offered appears below. A full condition sheet is available here.

Xtreme Battle: Speed and stamina are tested in this heat-racing showdown at five-eighths of a mile. For claiming pacers with a base price of $12,000 or lower, two nine-horse eliminations will be carded with the top finishers returning for a $20,000 showdown.

Xtreme Shotgun: Rapid acceleration will be key as a field of trotters cover two laps of the Georgian Downs strip from a walking start. The first horse to cover the 1-1/4 mile distance takes home the lion’s share of $20,000.

Xtreme Mile: A conventional distance meets an unconventional field size. Eighteen pacers will cover a one-mile distance with a $20,000 pot of gold on the line. The Xtreme Mile is open to non-winners of $5,000 in their last five starts.

Xtreme Sprint: Blink and you’ll miss it! The Xtreme Sprint returns at a distance of about one-eighth of a mile. Open to all speed demons, a purse of $15,000 awaits.

Xtreme Rush: A little more distance, but all the speed you can muster. Nine pacers will hit full acceleration in this three-eighths mile sprint in search of a $15,000 prize.

Xtreme Rewind: Throw the rule book away, because this 1-1/4 mile dash is being contested clockwise. Abbey Road C is a two-time winner on the trot. This year, we’ve added a pacing division as well. Nine horses will line up in each for a purse of $20,000.

Xtreme Challenge: Perfect for those trotters and pacers that could ‘go around again’. We’ll add a lap to our normal one mile distance and double the number of starters for this 1-5/8 mile challenge. The Xtreme Challenge is for horses that have started for a base claiming price of $12,000 or lower, or for non-winners of $60,000. Separate events will be held for trotters and pacers for a purse of $20,000.

Xtreme Showdown: Whether you’re local or “from away” as the east coasters like to say, everyone’s “at home” in the Xtreme Showdown. Eighteen $5,000 to $8,000 claimers will be invited to the ultimate national grudge match. Horses representing each of Canada’s 10 provinces – either via breeding, foaling or ownership – will wear their flags in pursuit of $25,000.

Xtreme Classic: The ultimate test of endurance. We throw the door open to claiming trotters for the ‘grand daddy’ of them all – a four lap, 2-1/2 mile battle of attrition. For those up to the test, a purse of $25,000 awaits.

“You can expect plenty of Xtreme Horsepower updates and announcements in the days ahead,” said Roberts. “This event is all about the fans and the day is absolutely filled with events and attractions for everyone.”

For more information on racing conditions, contact the Georgian Downs race office at (905) 627 0535.

Mark your calendar for August 28. Post time is 6:00 pm.