There will be a new voice behind the microphone when live harness racing resumes at The Raceway at The Western Fair District this October.

Shannon ‘Sugar’ Doyle will take over the duties this season, replacing Greg Blanchard who has assumed the role of Racing Manager.

“We were very happy to land a person of this caliber,” said Blanchard. “Shannon has a unique announcing style and is very well respected in the industry. His passion for the sport is undeniable and we think he will fit in very well with the team here at the Western Fair District.”

Doyle has served as track announcer at Northlands Park in Edmonton, Alberta for the past eight years. In addition, he has assisted in the race office and with various promotional activities during his tenure. The Prince Edward Island native also co-hosted the O’Brien Awards in 2011.

“Sugar’s been part of the Northlands family since 2006 and we’re sure going to miss him,” said Chris Roberts, General Manager of Northlands Park. “It’s pretty rare to find a guy with the competence and character of Shannon Doyle. The Western Fair District is lucky to be getting one of the premier race callers in Canada and one of horse racing’s true gentlemen.”

In addition to race calling, Doyle will host the daily pre-game simulcast show and will assist with various marketing and social media initiatives throughout the season.

“To get this opportunity is another dream come true for me in racing,” said Doyle. “Northlands Park took a shot on a relatively inexperienced race caller from Summerside, P.E.I., eight years ago and I can’t say enough how much I’ve enjoyed my time and the people there. Now, with experience, this race caller is definitely ready to start a new chapter in Ontario.

“I expect to bring my own style to London. It's worked well for me over the years, in Alberta, but I still look for ways to improve. I enjoy keeping things fresh and non-repetitive.”

Live harness racing is set to return at The Raceway on Tuesday, October 1, on a three-day-a-week schedule – every Monday and Tuesday at 4:05 p.m. and Friday nights at 7:05 p.m. Plans are already in the works for the seasonal Grand Opening which is planned for Friday, October 4, with details to come soon.

(Western Fair District)