Officials with Horse Racing New Brunswick are honoured to host the opening leg of the Gary "Shack" Smith Memorial Pacing Series on Saturday (May 28) at Exhibition Park Raceway.
Smith, a longtime racing official in New Brunswick, was well-known for being a standout paddock judge. He also served as the official horse identifier, and worked for many years with Horse Racing New Brunswick to help prepare the ship-in barn for out-of-town entries. He always made everyone feel welcome on race days.
He passed away suddenly earlier this year and has left a huge void in the province's harness racing industry. He was regularly sought after to work at other tracks as a fill-in or to work side-by-side with his colleagues.
Two local horses have drawn posts one and two, while three out-of-town entries also take part in the third race. Carrying a purse of $2,500 for the first leg, the second goes for $5,000.
Mark Haig will leave from post one with Bugger Max, who makes his third start back for co-owner / trainer Gordon White. Dale Orr also shares the ownership of the pacer. Stephen Downey owns Joes Beauty, who will score from post two for trainer / driver Steve Mason.
Jays Little Spark has shipped in from P.E.I. for owner Chris McInnis for trainer Greg McInnis. Saint John-born and raised Dale Spence will drive the veteran pacer from post-three. Taylor Doyle has entered Arrived Late for co-owner Kevin Lejeunesse, starting from post four.
The only horse with a win on his card in 2022 is Well Did, who ships in from Truro Raceway from the high-producing Paul Langille stable. The Well Did Horse Owners Group own the pacer, who has a 2:00 victory to his credit this season.
First post time is 1:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, and patrons and horsemen can visit Horse Racing New Brunswick's official website (horseracingnb.com) for free live programs and racing analysis.
To view the entries, click the following link: Saturday Entries - Exhibition Park Raceway.
(HRNB)