"When you have some of the best trainers in the business, and some big owners in the business, who want to come east to little Prince Edward Island to compete in the Gold Cup and Saucer, that really says something about our signature event."
The historic Sobey's Gold Cup & Saucer, which was designated a Grand Circuit race in 2013, has drawn horses from across North America with expectations high for another track record performance on Saturday at Charlottetown Driving Park.
Lee Drake, manager of sales and marketing at the Red Shores, commented on the appeal of the Gold Cup & Saucer in a CBC News article, which also highlights the fact that the field for this year's $75,000 final is void of any Maritime horses. However, the majority of the drivers are from the Maritimes.
"I think harness racing fans want to see the superstars," said P.E.I-based driver Marc Campbell, who won the 2013 Gold Cup & Saucer and drove both of this year's trial winners for North America's leading Ron Burke and Rene Allard stables. "If these guys bring these nice horses I think it draws a crowd."
(With files from CBC News)