He’s coming home. On Sunday, Aug. 6, Truro Raceway will welcome local record holder Woodmere Stealdeal back to the track where his career began.

Now five years old and racing in Ontario at Woodbine Mohawk Park, Woodmere Stealdeal (p, 5, 1:48.4s; $369,419) still holds the Truro track record for three-year-old pacers of 1:52.2.

One month ago at Mohawk, Woodmere Stealdeal made history, pacing the quickest winning mile by any Maritime-sired pacer in 1:48.4. The Steelhead Hanover-Very Ideal Hanover gelding had already established himself in the Mohawk Preferred class after first making a name for himself at ages two and three in the Maritimes. 'Stealdeal' went undefeated in his first year of pari-mutuel racing and followed with eight stakes victories, plus his first Mohawk win, in 2021. 

Truro Raceway is now giving fans the opportunity to get their picture taken with the returning champ in the winner's circle on Aug. 6. He will lead the post parade of the Woodmere Stealdeal Pace, which will be sponsored by Bob, Albert and Roger Sumarah that day. The pacer’s home track will also be selling commemorative Woodmere Stealdeal hats (co-sponsored by Woodmere Farms and Truro Raceway), with all proceeds going to the Canadian Tire JumpStart program for children’s sports.

The popular pacer will also go a training mile during the Aug. 6 Truro race card, for all to watch.

Woodmere Stealdeal began his career in June 2020 at Truro Raceway in Bible Hill, N.S., trained by Danny Romo for original owners Robert Sumarah of Halifax, N.S. and Kevin Dorey of Lower Sackville, N.S. The 2020 and 2021 Atlantic Post Calls Horse of the Year is currently owned by Sumarah, Frank Brundle of East Garafraxa, Ont., and Glenn MacDonald of Ajax, Ont., and has been racing at Mohawk for trainer Carmen Auciello. 

“We're thrilled to recognize that fastest Maritime-bred horse ever and one that has meant so much to our fans, and who was developed by Danny Romo and his team right here at Truro Raceway," said Steve Fitzsimmons, general manager at Truro Raceway. “I know our fans will be excited to see 'Stealdeal' and we're looking forward to recognizing his achievements and being part of a special day for him."

(With files from Truro Raceway)