Trot Insider has learned that due to the ongoing circumstances surrounding COVID-19 in Canada, and the restrictions put in place by the federal and provincial governments, the Nova Scotia vs. Ontario Driver's Challenge that had been scheduled for Truro Raceway on May 24 has been cancelled. Organizers are now looking to have the event take place in 2021.
Organizers are hopeful that all eight drivers that were scheduled to participate will be willing and available to be a part of the event in 2021.
"Hosting this event is important to not only showcase Nova Scotia's racing talent, along with some of the nation's top drivers in Ontario, but to bring a crowd to the track to highlight all of our athletes in the harness racing industry," said event organizer Christina Gillis.
"Our primary objective with this event is to increase attendance and add to the overall harness racing experience in the province of Nova Scotia, and with the specific restrictions in place surrounding social distancing and the travel restrictions, it did not make sense moving forward this year to host the event when the objectives could not be met.
"With racing schedules still undetermined throughout North America, postponing the event to next year would also avoid any schedule conflicts around race dates and stake race events in both the Atlantic provinces and Ontario circuit," added Gillis.
"The Facebook event page for the drivers challenge will remain up and running to provide those interested with updates, stories, and contests leading up to the rescheduling of the event to kick off the racing season in 2021."