As Prince Edward Island gears up for the start of Old Home Week on Thursday, August 9 and the 53rd edition of the Gold Cup & Saucer, trainers and drivers discuss their first experiences attending the action-packed week of harness racing and offer some tourism tips for first time attendees in this week's edition of Standardbred Canada’s online video features.
"I remember the goose bumps on the back of my neck when the lights went out," recalled driver Scott Coulter of his first experience driving in the Gold Cup & Saucer. "That's something I don't think I'll ever forget. Being out there on the racetrack in the complete blackness while they're bringing horses on with the spotlight on them, that's something I don't think I'll ever forget. You're in the dark, you can see the crowd, but they can't see you. It's like you're behind the scenes, but you're right out in the open air. It was quite an experience, that's for sure."
"The people are so nice," noted driver J.R. Plante. "I love the people out there. The atmosphere, you know, you can tell that they love racing. It gives you chills to get on that track with so many people."
"The amount of racing, the camaraderie, the parties and the good times. It's all about a big week of racing," added trainer Brent MacGrath.
Old Home Week runs from Thursday, August 9 to Saturday, August 18 with Charlottetown Driving Park hosting the Gold Cup & Saucer on the final evening.