This past weekend Standardbred Canada’s I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club partnered with 12 racetracks across Canada to host the fifth annual Bring A Friend promotion, introducing many new people to the sport!

The three-day event challenged members of the industry to introduce their friends to harness racing at their local track.

Thanks to the efforts of our members and fans, the Bring A Friend event proved to be a success! With rides in the starting gate car, rides in double seated jog carts, winner’s circle presentations, meet & greets with drivers, beginner handicapping workshop and behind the scenes tours, newcomers received the full VIP experience.

The Bring A Friend promotion kicked off Friday evening at Grand River Raceway in Elora, Ontario and continued on Saturday at Northside Downs, Hiawatha Horse Park, Kawartha Downs, Hanover Raceway, Mohawk Racetrack and Truro Raceway. Things wrapped up on Sunday at Century Downs Racetrack & Casino, Clinton Raceway, Dresden Raceway, Georgian Downs and Rideau Carleton Raceway.

Heather MacKay, Director of Marketing & Special Events at Kawartha Downs said “Our night was fantastic, we had a huge crowd, fantastic weather and more than $42,000 bet on track. There were lots of newcomers and people who had never attended the races before.”

Dresden Agricultural Society President Lucille Laprise, who helps with the special events at Dresden Raceway, also commented on the success of their Bring A Friend day.

“We had people from all over -- Cambridge, Kitchener, Windsor, Essex, Ridgetown and Merlin -- that had never been to the races at Dresden before and came because they heard it on the radio or from a friend. Dresden Raceway provided each with a free program, $2.00 bet voucher and a half-price food voucher. They also registered for starting car rides, paddock and 'behind the scenes' tours and even had the chance to meet the drivers before the races.”

The I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club would like to thank all industry members and fans who brought a friend to the track to be an ambassador and promote our sport!

To view more photos from Bring A Friend weekend, click the following link: 2017 Bring A Friend Photo Gallery.

LIDSTONE WINS BRING A FRIEND CONTEST

Rick Lidstone of Charlottetown, PEI was the winner in the I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club’s Bring A Friend online handicapping.

After calculating the results six of the entrants finished with eight out of a possible 24 points. Rick was declared the winner following a blind draw.

Lidstone is a current racing fan and former owner. He enjoys watching live races at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park.

“The horses I owned or co-owned were, Hazeldale Ace, Charles Pacey, Absolute Proof and Belle Marica. My favourite horse was Sand Olls Dexter. He won the Gold Cup & Saucer race in 2003 and 2004. My daughter Jennifer was chosen to represent him and was Miss Gold Cup Ambassador for 2004. The best race ever, even on a muddy track.”

Congratulations to Rick who has won a $50.00 gift certificate to the Canadian harness racetrack of his choice and a Fan Club swag package.