CDP '09 Preview; Qua. Dates Announced

Published: March 20, 2009 10:11 am EDT

Harness Racing PEI has announced the return of the Aliant Pacing Series, the Young Guns Pacing

Series and the Cecil Ladner Memorial. The events will highlight the live racing action at Charlottetown Driving Park.

The season opens on Saturday, April 25 with the official launch of the Countdown to the Cup, celebrating the 50th running of the Gold Cup & Saucer. First-race post time for the season opener is 1:00 p.m.

The Aliant Pacing Series and the Young Guns Pacing Series are slated for May, while the Ladner Series hits the track the following month.

The late Cecil Ladner -- an original member of Harness Racing PEI's board of directors -- had long been an avid supporter of harness racing. Family and friends maintain a strong connection to the industry as owners. The fourth annual Cecil Ladner Memorial Pacing Series is the opening event on the Maritime Invitational Circuit with eliminations set for June.

Owners, trainers and drivers are preparing for a busy 2009 season with 81 live racing presentations planned for Charlottetown. New racing events will include the Buddy Campbell Memorial for two-year-old trotters presented by Meridian Farms; special race nights honouring the Canada Games and the 50th running of the Gold Cup & Saucer on August 22, 2009. Harness Racing PEI will be releasing promotional and event details in the coming weeks on the Countdown to the Cup.

The track will stage qualifying sessions for the new season beginning on Saturday, April 11 at 12:00 p.m. Qualifying dates will also be held on April 15, 18 and 21 at 12:00 p.m.

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(With files from Harness Racing PEI)

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