It has been reported that Harness Racing Cape Breton has been formed and is now leasing Northside Downs and an associated building at the Cape Breton County Exhibition.

An article by the Cape Breton Post has quoted Carl Getto, the not-for-profit group’s general manger, as saying that the organization will be working to make interest in the local industry even stronger.

"It is already an important part of the tourism mix here in Cape Breton but can be even stronger and that is one of the things we'd like to work towards," said Getto.

The GM went on to say, "The profits that we make as a non-profit organization from that goes towards supporting and promoting the live racing. That's the financial aspects of how Harness Racing Cape Breton is structured to operate."

Getto also praised the local racing industry as being on the upswing, stating, "The wagering and the attendance and the competitiveness of the racing over the past few years at North Sydney is second to none."

(With files from the Cape Breton Post)