The first dates for harness racing in Quebec since last fall are just over a month away

. The provincial fair circuit, known as Le Circuit Regional, this week published its calendar for 2010.

It includes six Sunday programs starting with St. Hugues on June 27. Then it's St. Aime des Lacs (July 11), Ayer's Cliff (July 18), Bedford (July 25), Bonaventure (Aug. 8) and Ayer's Cliff again (Aug. 28).

Purses of $12,000 per card will be allocated by the sponsoring Quebec Jockey Club, with entries due by 11 a.m. on the preceding Tuesday.

Paul-Andre Lavigne is back as president of Le Circuit Regional, succeeding Andre Drolet. Lavigne previously held the post from 1983 to 1994 and recently served as vice-president.

(A Trot Insider exclusive by Paul Delean)