According to a report by Horse Racing Alberta, Northlands Park announcer Shannon 'Sugar' Doyle has yet to be notified if he will be getting the nod to call the action during the upcoming meet at Grande Prairie's Evergreen Park
. The meet is scheduled to start June 12.
"Everyone involved with racing here in Alberta have been so good to me since I arrived here back in February of 2006," Doyle told Trot Insider. "Northlands, Evergreen Park, ASHA, HRA -- and especially the horsepeople -- they've all been like family to me and I'd like to remain a part of it."
Doyle also said that things are very tough on everyone now, with the way the economy is going, but that he is hoping that by the end of this week his future will no longer be murky.
In 2008, Doyle was the announcer for Evergreen Park's harness racing, as well as thoroughbred and quarter horse racing.
I assumed this was a no
I assumed this was a no brainer and Sugar had been hired for Grand Praire. I truly believe he is one of our greatest assets in promoting harness racing. For once we have someone in who truly cares and takes an interest in the horseman. He adds a personal touch that enhances our races and sport. If GP drops the ball on this one, they will not be only losing a great announcer but a great backer and promoter of our sport. I hope my fellow horseman make some calls and express their concern over the possible loss of Sugar.
If Alberta lose's Sugar
If Alberta lose's Sugar Doyle to another province it will be a sad day indeed.
Last summer in GP, Sugar spent hours promoting racing by contacting the radio stations and newspapers. All on his own time of course. He wrote for one of the Gp newspapers on a weekly basis. He provided interesting and entertaining stories of the people behind the racing scene at Evergreen Park. If Grande Prairie lets Sugar slip through the cracks then ASHA or HRA should hire him on a full time basis. Besides being an awesome announcer he has fresh ideas to promote racing. The HRA spent millions on a few tv ads, hiring Sugar for promotions and announcing is a win win situation for all involved, besides I know I don't speak alone when I say I would miss hearing him announce when my horse races.