The Nova Scotia Harness Racing Industry Association has announced the Nova Scotia vs. Ontario Drivers Challenge will take place this year on June 4 at host track Truro Raceway.

Organizers of the drivers challenge, which was originally scheduled for May 2020, are pleased to be getting the event up and running after having been set back from the global pandemic.

The event will include participating drivers from all three Nova Scotia racetracks (Inverness Raceway, Northside Downs and Truro Raceway) highlighting the driving talent sourced right in the province. The drivers who were asked to participate in 2020 have all shown interest to compete in the 2023 edition.

Representing team Nova Scotia are drivers Redmond Doucet (Inverness), Ernie Laffin (Truro), Paul Langille (Truro) and Mark Pezzarello (Northside).

Team Ontario is stacked with the nation's best and the driving talent from Woodbine Mohawk Park, including Bob McClure, Doug McNair, James MacDonald and Louis-Philippe Roy.

The Nova Scotia vs. Ontario Drivers Challenge promises to an action-packed day for horsepeople and fans alike. 

“When the event was announced, there was a lot of buzz from fans about seeing the drivers come from Woodbine Mohawk Park," said event organizer Christina Saftic. "Having the best in Canada come to Nova Scotia is creating a lot of excitement.

“Locals in Nova Scotia are also excited to cheer on their hometown favourites, citing their familiarity with the track and horses may give their guys the advantage heading into the challenge.

“Regardless of which team comes out on top, race fans will be in for a fun, competitive day of racing on June 4.”

(With files from Nova Scotia Harness Racing Industry Association)