The Fredericton Raceway 130 committee has announced that final planning for the matinee race program on September 9 at Fredericton Raceway is almost completed.

“We now have 10 races fully sponsored,” said committee co-chairman, Brent Briggs. “The response from the local business community has been overwhelming and we have 25 individual organizations contributing money or services that believe in harness racing in Fredericton and that includes the Mike Bishop Stable from Puslinch, Ontario donating coolers for all of the race winners.”

“With these sponsorships, purse money will range from $1,000 to $3,250,” Briggs added.

Major sponsors include Meridian Farms, Chippin’s Real Estate, Wood Motors, NBEX, Simms Home Hardware Building Centre, Bishop’s Funeral Home and Midland Courier. Mira Construction and Hazen J. Hunter Ltd. donated the materials and time to resurface the racetrack at no cost and the track is expected to be in excellent condition for the matinee race program.

The matinee program is being organized to commemorate the 130th anniversary of one of Canada’s oldest racetracks. With no pari-mutuel racing dates scheduled this year, The Fredericton Raceway 130 committee, made up of all volunteers, came up with the idea of a matinee race program to celebrate the milestone.

“We have a number of events scheduled along with the race card,” Brian Embleton, the other committee co-chairman noted. “There will be a reception prior to the card and we will be inviting the Mayor of Fredericton and all City Councillors, local MLAs, as well as our sponsors to show them that harness racing is still viable in Fredericton.”

There will be a play area set up for children where they can ‘drive’ a horse along with other activities. Also, there will be a beer tent outside with all products donated by Moosehead Breweries. The Oromocto SPCA will be running a BBQ.

Before the first race gets underway, there will be a special ceremonial mile to recognize the 250th anniversary of horse racing in Canada.

“It’s really going to be fun and will be the biggest event in harness racing in New Brunswick this year,” Embleton said.

(with files from Fredericton Raceway 130)

The special event at Fredericton Raceway on September 9, 2017 is not a sanctioned race card by the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission. This special one-time program is considered Matinee or Exhibition Racing.

As such, the card will not be officiated by the APHRC, and entries, results, racelines, times, and money distributed will not be recorded by Standardbred Canada.