Harness racing is set to return to Fredericton Raceway on Sunday, September 8 after a two-year hiatus. Post time is set for 1:30 p.m.

In 2017, a matinee race card was held to commemorate the 130th year of racing at the present site on the New Brunswick Provincial Exhibition Grounds and, the event attracted a large crowd for the 10-dash card.

Fredericton Horseman's Association President Charlie Miles stated that negotiations with the New Brunswick Standardbred Owners & Breeders Association, NBEX and other governing bodies began last spring.

Organization, fundraising and planning began in earnest earlier this summer, with all parties agreeing to host this event.

Miles stated, "We have received tremendous support from the community and, we are very close to our fundraising goals. It's great to know that there is still support for harness racing in Fredericton and, we hope that we can build on this support moving forward."

Invitations have been sent out to horsepeople around the Maritime provinces, Quebec and Maine and, so far, the response has been very positive.

Unlike the 2017 race card, pari-mutuel wagering will be available. The feature for the ten dash card will be the $3,500 Jennie & Joe Chippin Memorial Pace, along with the other nine races.

Miles states, "We are hoping for a great turnout. It has been a lot of work to pull this off but, I feel confident that it will be a very entertaining afternoon of racing."

(FHA)