A Canada Day program with a special spotlight on New Start Standardbreds Maritimes and a heavyweight tilt in the top class will hit the track Wednesday, July 1 at Red Shores at the Summerside Raceway.

The Prince County oval has a 13-dash presentation starting at 1 p.m. (ADT), with the $6,250 Preferred Handicap Pace lining up in race 12.

Prince Edward Island newcomer Hellabalou is the 5-2 morning line favourite from the outside post seven with Paul Langille training and driving for the stallion's new owner Nikway Farms of St. David's, Nfld. The eight-year-old son of Sweet Lou-Magestic Blue Chip has $1.86 million in earnings after a career as one of the top Free-For-Allers in North America. He most recently has strung together four straight wins in the Open level at Northfield Park in Ohio in the Ron Burke stable before being purchased in an online sale for $185,211.

Returning to Atlantic Canada for the first time since a perfect 11-win stint here last year, Miki Shan N is another major player from post four with Corey MacPherson in the seat for trainer Chris Mackay. The seven-year-old son of Always B Miki-Yankee Dream is the defending Gold Cup & Saucer and Governor’s Plate champion and was the first horse in Atlantic Canada history to break the 1:50 barrier in the Premier’s Cup. He is owned by Kap Singh Racing Stable of Yorktown Heights, New York, Stephen Klunowski of North York, Earl Hill Jr. of Ohsweken, Ont., and Donald MacRae of Vernon Bridge, P.E.I.

Also in the field are PL Quicksand (Ken Murphy), Tony Too Tall (Kyle Desroche), Sure Thing Captain (Jason Hughes), Freemans Legacy (Jaycob Sweet) and Doc Awesome (Brady Sweet).

The "Backstretch Beat" has selected Hellabalou on top: “Hellabalou is unquestionably one of the greatest half-mile horses in the history of the sport and he can race on the front or off the pace so, seven-hole or not, we have to use him on top. A horse of this caliber usually only shows on P.E.I. on a Saturday night in August. Race fans are about to be in for a treat.”

The historic Canada Day Pace is also on the program in race five with the MacKay-trained Saulsbrook Fancy (MacPherson) the top selection from post three.

The program will also feature races sponsored in support of New Start Standardbreds Maritimes, an adoption and aftercare program that works to rehome retired racehorses when their career on the track comes to a close.

“New Start Standardbreds was founded in 2020 with a simple but powerful mission: to ensure every Standardbred has the opportunity for a safe, happy and meaningful life after racing,” said Christina Wright-Robertson of New Start Standardbreds Maritimes.

The program now operates across Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes, providing support for retired Standardbreds as they transition into their next chapter. Since its founding, more than 350 Standardbreds have found safe, loving homes through the New Start program.

“In 2026 alone, 55 Standardbreds have already been placed across Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes,” said Wright-Robertson. “Remarkably, 25 of those placements have been right here in the Maritimes, reflecting the incredible growth of our regional program and the unwavering support of our local racing and equine community.”

The Maritimes division launched in 2024 and continues to grow thanks to the dedication of owners, trainers, racetracks, adopters, foster homes, volunteers and donors throughout Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

“Together, we’re proving that a Standardbred’s value extends far beyond the finish line,” said Wright-Robertson.

The day has New Start Standardbreds Maritimes sponsorship throughout the card. Race one is sponsored by Rick Armstrong Stable, race two by Christina Wright-Robertson, race three by Janice Hubbard Stable and race four by Helen Landry. Symes’ Horse Transport presents race six, Langille Racing sponsors race seven, Penn Hills Stable sponsors race eight, Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission sponsors race nine, Kickin Horse Stable sponsors race 10 and Ultimate Stable sponsors race 11.

“People often ask why I do this,” continued Wright-Robertson. “The answer is simple: these horses have given so much throughout their racing careers and they deserve every opportunity to enjoy a fulfilling life afterward.”

The aftercare program continues to expand across the region with every placement representing a new beginning for a retired racehorse.

“Every successful placement is a reminder that retirement isn’t the end of a Standardbred’s story. It’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter,” said Wright-Robertson. “Every adoption is more than finding a home — it’s giving a horse the second chance they have earned.”

To view Wednesday's harness racing entries, click the following link: Wednesday Entries - Summerside Raceway.

(With files from Red Shores)