Although winter weather had threatened it from getting off the gate on time, Alberta Downs' first full season got underway this past Saturday in Lacombe, and owner Robert Allen has commented on how things went
.
The track may have been listed as 'good' on Saturday, but that was considered a victory for the track crew which had worked tirelessly to get the course in shape to host the 10-race opener.
The track had taken a good deal of moisture since Lacombe had experienced snowfall leading up to the card.
“They (horsepeople) didn’t believe it would be dry enough, but it is,” Allen was quoted as saying in a report by the Red Deer Advocate.
In the article, Allen was cited as saying that there were some cable and television glitches. Looking back, Allen said that things didn't go as smoothly as they could have, but that the crowd was still impressed with the product.
“I like what I see,” Allen said, referring to the number of spectators which showed up to take in the program.
To read the Red Deer Advocate article in its entirety, click here.
(With files from the Red Deer Advocate)
Opening day was excellent.
Opening day was excellent. Hats off to Bob Allen and the horsemen that jumped in and worked relentlessly to get the track ready. This surface was soft and deep, but will get fast as the summer comes on and we could very easily see sub 1:50 miles. It is in a beautiful location and as it progresses through the construction it will be a great place to go and watch races.