When 13-year-old Bomber Brown heads to the gate on Saturday at Century Downs, he'll look to accomplish something he could not do nine years ago. Win a race in Calgary.

Bomber Brown is a rare case in that he actually raced during the final days of Stampede Park in 2006, a fact not lost on his breeder, owner and trainer Rick Schneider.

"He was a four-year-old at the time he raced in Stampede...hopefully he can get up there for a win," Schneider told Trot Insider.

The 13-year-old General Knight gelding has won 36 races lifetime, but is 0-for-11 in Calgary after racing two seasons in Stampede Park. Schneider is optimistic but realistic over his pacer's chances, feeling that the horse might have more to say about it than the trainer.

"He's been racing OK in California. When he decides he wants to race, he'll race...I think he'll be OK. I'm just happy he's racing in Calgary!" said Schneider with a laugh. "He's the fastest General Knight, he's the richest General Knight..and he could be the track record holder at Century Downs for one start!"

Recently returned from the winter meet at Cal-Expo in California, Schneider is thrilled to be racing back in Alberta despite the long ship from his home base just outside Edmonton.

"We actually have a future to build for," continued Schneider. "It's exciting times around here, that's for sure."

Schneider is so bullish on the future of harness racing in his home province that he's obtained broodmares and plans to ramp up his breeding operation.

"I'm not usually into the babies, but since this new track was coming I bred a bunch of mares and got into the breeding side more than I used to," Schneider told Trot Insider. "It looks like that's where the future is supposed to be."

The opening weekend of racing will be filled with many fun and exciting events. Local country artist Shannon Smith will be in attendance to sing the national anthem. The province's very proud harness drivers and trainers will join her for the opening ceremony.

There will be bleachers seating over 700 people outside on the tarmac, including 100 tables and over 550 chairs. In addition, there will be food trucks and barbecue stations set up along with bar stands. Due to the anticipated large numbers, there will be reservations only for the MidCity Grill restaurant and lounge. A total of 15 mutual tellers and 25 betting machines will be available along with the new MBet. Post time for both Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 will be 2:00 p.m. MDT.

To celebrate the occasion, the I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club will be on site for both Saturday and Sunday racing. Standardbred Canada’s Manager of Industry Marketing Kathy Wade Vlaar will be in attendance. Fans can stop by the booth after 1:00 p.m. on Saturday and meet some of Alberta’s top drivers and take a selfie with them to enter the Fan Club’s Zoom Photography Contest. The Fan Club's newest 'Face of Racing' is Alberta’s own Kelly Hoerdt and he will be on hand to greet racing fans and autograph photos. Joining Hoerdt will be top drivers Travis Cullen and Gerry Hudon. The first 100 people to join the Fan Club will receive a FREE gift and everyone who signs up will have a chance to win some great prizes. Fan Club merchandise will be for sale and copies of the April issue of Trot Magazine and Trot 4 Kids activity books will be given out. Activities will include draws for swag and betting vouchers. In addition, there will be an online handicapping contest for Fan Club members for the Saturday, April 25 card of racing.

The 2015 Alberta Standardbred Horse Association 'Name That Foal' contest will launch this Saturday at Century Downs as well. The contest forms will be available for participants.

To view entries for opening weekend at Century Downs, click here.

For free, printable program pages, courtesy of TrackIT, click on the following links: Saturday / Sunday.