There is a long standing tradition in New Brunswick harness racing and that's Labour Day racing at Canada's oldest half-mile track, Fredericton Raceway on the holiday Monday (Sept. 5) in the capital city.
Horse Racing New Brunswick, it's partners and sponsors have assembled a solid eight-dash card with the two-year-old pacers in the spotlight with three divisions of the Williamson Memorial Stake.
Monday's card will go to post at 1 p.m. Three separate divisions of the classic stakes event carry a purse of $6,800 per division and have attracted a number of the region's top horses and horsemen.
Fresh off a successful week of racing in Saint John for Exhibition Week, the capital city will host both a card on Monday, with another slated for Saturday, September 10.
Division one is for pacing fillies and Tobins Secret goes into the race as the one to beat for trainer/driver Earl Smith. She has bankrolled nearly $14,000 this season and only once has missed the top three.
The second division features the second filly stake with Woodmere Finesse looking to have the slight edge with veteran Kenny Arsenault in the sulky. She has a 2:00.3 victory on her resume going into the race.
The final division, this time spotlighting the freshman colts, appears to be a battle between Tobinator and Carters Caper. Tobinator and driver Corey MacPherson come off an eye-popping 1:56.3 victory in his last outing and comes in to the race in fine form.
The Preferred Pace of the day has attracted a competitive field including City Of The Year, who is fresh off a win at Saint John's Exhibition Park Raceway.
Horse Racing New Brunswick extends many thanks to horsemen, fans, volunteers, and corporate sponsors taking part in Monday's program.
(With files from HRNB)