The Maritime Breeders Association, in conjunction with Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park, has announced that the Three-Year-Old Pacing Colt MBA Final will be named in honour of the late Doug Harkness, the founder of the regional harness publication, the Atlantic Post Calls

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Harkness had a long and distinguished career in journalism. In 1996 he became the first Canadian journalist to win the President's Award from the United States' Harness Writer's Association, and in 2003 he was awarded the prestigious Glen Kennedy Memorial Award for his contributions to Maritime breeding. Harkness passed away recently in Nova Scotia.

"Doug Harkness was a strong promoter of our regional breeding industry, and through his publication promoted the quality and successes of the Maritime Breeders Association." stated MBA Manager Wayne Pike. "We are pleased to recognize Doug's memory by naming this race in his honour. It is also very appropriate that both he and the late Ken Starrett, two longtime close friends will have their races held on the same day."

Red Shores will be hosting the three-year-old finals this Saturday. First-race post time is 7:00 p.m. The evening will also feature two eliminations of the Cecil Ladner Memorial Race Series. The action-packed card will be available for viewing online at harnessracingpei.com beginning at 6:45 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Bell-Aliant Race Day Show will begin the new season during the Cecil Ladner Memorial final on June 26. The Race Day broadcast schedule and sponsors will be announced soon.

(Red Shores)