PEI: Investing In Racing Works

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Published: August 15, 2013 02:05 pm EDT

"For every dollar that PEI put in as a government, it returned $10 back to the economy. So that's the type of thing that allows us to continue to support harness racing, allows us to have the heritage and culture of PEI continue to flourish here.”

Those are the words of Prince Edward Island Finance Minister Wes Sheridan, speaking in reference to how the provincial government's investment in the harness racing industry has been a positive undertaking for the Island's economy.

The symbiotic gaming relationship on PEI is the focus of an article by the CBC. The report also highlights how the massively-popular Old Home Week meet of harness racing is able to continue via the arrangement.

With a pair of Red Shores racinos -- the Charlottetown Driving Park and Summerside Raceway -- offering both live harness racing and slot-machine gaming, the relationship between the Atlantic Lottery Corporation and the racing industry has proven to be a 'win-win' scenario for both parties, according to horseman Earl Smith.

"The casino needs us and we need the casino," he said.

The post position draw has been completed for this Saturday’s $60,000 Sobey’s Gold Cup & Saucer -- the marquee race of the season at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

The powerhouse American stable of trainer Ron Burke will be featured in Gold Cup & Saucer action this Saturday, but the conditioner has said that the competition will be fierce. "It's not going to be a walkover by any means," said Burke.

(With files from the CBC)

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Even a small province like PEI knows the benefits of a good horseracing industry helps the economy but still those that run Ontario will not even try to help racing.

And the overnight purses in PEI are???
The Atlantic Sires Stakes race for what???

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