The first photos of West Meadows Raceway just outside of Regina are now available to be viewed online.
West Meadows Raceway spokesperson Glenn Le Drew gave an enthusiastic update on WMR this morning via release. His words appear below.
"It has been a very busy summer/fall. The track is in, signage complete and the main barn is up, which is a lot when you consider we started with only an open field of stubble just a few months ago and much of the work completed by shareholders, sponsors and volunteers. The property even needed trees -- which have been planted -- water and power had to be run into the property and then trenched into the barn (currently in process of completing stalls).
"The board of directors felt it was very important to immediately focus on the track and the barn, as we hoped to be open for training which we are on pace for by the end of November. The first horses should begin to arrive soon and that will be a very exciting time for us. It will also help the new track get quickly established, create an income stream and be the first measure of real success. The land is cleared for the clubhouse which will hold the judges and pari-mutuel area and the bleachers which will also go up trackside this spring.
"We have received emails and letters from race fans that are excited about the return of harness racing to the Regina area. It will very much have a fair track feel that will have most fans close to the track and right on top of the action, a dynamic atmosphere that we are dedicated to creating at West Meadows Raceway.
"When it does open, it will be the only racetrack in Saskatchewan that is open for training all year long. West Meadows Raceway has applied for six days in 2009 that will be co-ordinated in a race season circuit that also includes Yorkton and Saskatoon. The track's dimensions are exactly the same as the Delaware County Fair Grounds in Ohio, home of the Little Brown Jug, which has wide sweeping turns and thought by many to be the fastest half mile track in the world."
A group of individuals dedicated to ensuring the future of harness racing in Saskatchewan started raising money for the new track at the end of 2007 and there is still room for a few more shareholders. Stalls will be available for horsemen soon (stall application will be posted on the website). Those interested should contact Jane Grainger at 306-539-6123 or Glenn Le Drew at 306-737-0667.
To view the photos, and for more information, click here.
(With files from West Meadows Raceway Inc.)