The Western Canada Horse Racing Association (WCHRA) has officially finalized an agreement with the Desert Park Exhibition Society (DPES) and the Town of Osoyoos to bring competitive harness racing to Osoyoos, B.C. with the launch of Desert Park Raceway.
Nestled in Okanagan Valley, Desert Park Raceway offers an incredible setting for Standardbred racing, surrounded by panoramic views of the mountains, local vineyards, the town and Osoyoos Lake. This is the famous pocket desert at the very southern tip of the Okanagan Valley, right near the U.S. border. It is the northernmost tip of the Great Basin Desert that extends from Mexico and is known as a desert because of its warm, dry climate.
WCHRA has completely rebuilt the property’s five-eighths-of-a-mile racetrack surface specifically for high-calibre harness racing. Built to maximize the stretch drive, the newly designed homestretch spans 247 metres in length. Five-eighths tracks typically feature a stretch drive between 120 and 185 metres, making the Desert Park Raceway stretch one of the longest of its kind in North America.
Pending final regulatory approval, the track plans to host 20 race cards in the fall of 2026, targeting a mid-September launch. Horsemen will have plenty of incentive to compete, as the upcoming race meet will offer some of the highest average daily purses in Western Canada.
"We are thrilled to bring harness racing to Osoyoos," said Kelly MacMillan, president of the WCHRA. "The South Okanagan climate is going to be absolutely ideal for horse racing in the fall. Because this association is run by horsemen for horsemen, we are deeply committed to safe, competitive racing that will put on a spectacular, customer-focused show for the fans while building a secure future for our sport. We appreciate the incredible support from DPES and the Town of Osoyoos to make this dream a reality."
The racing operations will be fully managed by the WCHRA, a newly formed not-for-profit society created solely for this purpose. Driven by horsemen and fully supported by Harness Racing BC (HRBC), the WCHRA ensures a vibrant future for the Standardbred industry in British Columbia. It focuses on industry longevity, equine welfare and an enhanced customer experience for standardbred racing in British Columbia. This entire racing program is completely self-funded through horse racing operations within the province.
"We are absolutely excited to welcome WCHRA and become the new home of harness racing in British Columbia," said Rebekka Lim, president of the DPES. "Desert Park has a rich history as an equestrian hub, and this racing program is a perfect addition to the horse-centric activities we host on the property all year round. It’s a huge win for our facility and for horse lovers across the province."
Rebekka Lim, president of the Desert Park Exhibition Society, and Kelly MacMillan, president of the Western Canada Horse Racing Association, sign an agreement on the track at Desert Park Raceway.
Today kicks off a new chapter in the B.C. horse racing industry. The WCHRA will provide further updates in the coming weeks as things progress, including specific race dates and features. There will be full stabling onsite and stall applications for the fall meet will be available starting July 10.
Osoyoos offers a wide variety of accommodations, from campgrounds to resorts, many featuring mountain, vineyard or lake views. While built to handle the busy summer tourist crowds, these options provide plenty of affordable lodging for the fall racing season. For those wanting to stay close to the action, a limited number of serviced RV sites are available directly on the Desert Park property next to the barns on a first-come, first-served basis.
Located in Osoyoos, the DPES is a premier multi-use equestrian and exhibition facility. Operating year-round, Desert Park is dedicated to supporting the local agricultural and horse community by hosting training, events, and recreational activities in the scenic heart of the Okanagan.
(Desert Park Raceway)