Progress continues at West Meadows Raceway in Regina, Saskatchewan and president Jane Grainger has told Trot Insider that the first race dates will hopefully be in the summer of 2010
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“It was a very busy winter, the barn had its first horses in it when we opened in January and the track saw lots of fast training miles as horses prepared to qualify for the race meet in Yorkton,” Grainger told Trot Insider.
“The long awaited mutuels/officials building has been started and should be completed by the end of July. Ground is also being set up where the race fans will go and will include bleacher seating, picnic tables and a tent/garden set up track-side for ice cold refreshments.”
Grainger said that everything is being set up close to the track to create a Jug-like atmosphere that will provide fans with a racing experience that is second to none.
“West Meadows Raceway is so important to the future of harness racing in Saskatchewan as it will be a permanent track dedicated to the long term of the industry and more importantly the only current track that is also open to horsemen for training all year long.”
Initially, the track had hoped to gain approval for six race days this summer coordinated with Yorkton Exhibition and Saskatoon, but the plans have since changed.
“We did apply for racing this summer, but after discussions with SLGA it seemed unlikely we would be ready in time and in hindsight it was probably the best decision. Now we can focus on the finishing and it will for certain be ready for racing next summer.”
Shares have been sold to help raise money for the facility and shares are being sold in unlimited quantities at $1,000 each. Private corporations are limited to 50 shareholders and there is room for a few more. If interested, please contact Jane Grainger at 306-539-6123.
For more information, visit www.westmeadowsraceway.com.
Click here to view a photo gallery of West Meadows.
(With files from West Meadows Raceway)