On Tuesday, June 17, Harness Racing BC President Randy Rutledge offered a brief update in regard to Standardbred racing in British Columbia.
While in discussion with Patrick Johnston of The Province, Rutledge stated that the current plan is to resume live harness racing at Fraser Downs in mid September, but that those plans will ultimately be at the mercy of variables pertaining to COVID-19.
“Our plan is to start on time on September 17,” said Rutledge, who went on to explain, “Of course we don’t know, you never know with this (COVID-19) virus, but the way everything is looking, we’re feeling good. But we’re still three months away.”
As of this writing, Fraser is scheduled to host 31 cards of live racing from September 17 to the end of 2020.
In terms of purses, Rutledge explained that the closure of the casino will surely have an effect on the prize amounts that the horses will be racing for. Although, Rutledge is optimistic that the purse hit will not be major.
“Right now it doesn’t look too bad," said Rutledge, who added that the stakes program will still be going ahead.
To read The Province article in its entirety, click here.
(With files from The Province)