The Atlantic Breeders Crown Host Committee is pleased to announce the four Atlantic Canadian harness racing families who will be honoured for their longstanding contributions to the industry.
This recognition will be part of the upcoming Atlantic Breeders Crown weekend at the Charlottetown Driving Park Entertainment Centre, October 10-12.
The Poulton family from Charlottetown, PEI has experienced many successes, near and far, in the harness racing game over four generations. Jim and Abigail (Ma) campaigned a top compact stable for many years. Sons Harry and Oliver shared the driving chores. Harry's family involvement continued with Vince, Gary, Allan, the late Billy, and daughters Gail and Darlene. Oliver's offspring included Darrell, Wilfred (Ookie), Harry and Cheryl. A fourth generation includes Jason and Kurt Hughes.
Brothers Dave and Herb Pack were involved in the construction of Avalon Raceway in Newfoundland and it began a long association with harness racing for the Pack family in that province. Herb's daughter and son-in-law, Wanda and Bob Burton, and son Kyle are now active participants.
From Nova Scotia, the family of longtime top horseman Clayton MacLeod will be celebrated for their contributions. Clayton was a top horseman in his day that began his career in the 1940's. Clayton's late brother Theo was active while son Steve is currently active.
The Alexander family has been involved with standardbreds in New Brunswick for over a century. Patriarch William J (The Boss) Alexander was a top horseman of his day. Son Cecil was a keen-eyed horseman that operated the Saint John track and the Sussex track for many years while brother Jim was also was a successful owner. Cecil's son Gerald has been involved for nearly 60 years, including serving as the first President of the Atlantic Sires Stakes program.
The family recognition will be part of the upcoming Atlantic Breeders Crown banquet in Charlottetown on Saturday, October 11th. Atlantic Sire Stakes divisional champions will be crowned during ABC weekend. The four families from each of the Atlantic Provinces will also be saluted with memorabilia on display in the “Memory Lane” room on the second level of the CDPEC.
Contact Harness Racing PEI at 902-629-6636 to purchase tickets to the Atlantic Breeders Crown reception and banquet at the Delta Prince Edward Hotel on Saturday October 11, 2008.
(HRPEI)