The deadline for donation of stallion services for the PEI Colt Stakes Anniversary fundraiser has been extended
.
Among the donations received are services to Thunder Road, standing at Tara Hills in Ontario, as well as several PEI-based stallions including Dr. Ian Moore’s Astronomical and Woodmere Farms Articulator. Whim Farms will donate a breeding to popular sire Quick Comeback as well as a choice of Ameripan Graffiti or Nukamickie. Breedings to Hussy Chaser and Armbro Herman will also be available at the May 15 dinner in Summerside, as well as a number of silent auction items. All stallion owners in the Maritimes have been approached and those who have not yet responded are urged to do so as soon as possible.
One of the unique features of the PEI Colt Stakes over the past few years has been the breeders’ awards program, which has resulted in almost $200,000 paid out to successful breeders based on participation in the PEI stakes program. Tara Hills Stud has requested that the proceeds from its stallion share be included in this year’s breeders’ awards. The PEI Colt Stakes is open to all Maritime-foaled horses and celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year as the oldest stakes program in Canada.
In addition to the breeders' awards, proceeds from the stallion fee auction and silent auction will be used to support the Matinee race program on PEI during the summer, but more importantly will also support the harness racing camps for kids that take place at the matinee tracks each summer and cater to disadvantaged and special needs youngsters.
The Colt Stakes also support an equine awareness program for troubled youth through the John Howard Society’s involvement with a local riding stable that uses retired standardbreds for recreation and rehabilitative riding.
A meeting of the Anniversary Committee will be held on Wednesday, April 8 at the
Farm Centre in Charlottetown beginning at 7:00 p.m. Planning for the May 15 dinner and fundraiser will be the main topic, as well as an update on the PEI Colt Stakes history book 'Raise A Colt,' which will be ready for release at the May event. Everyone interested in helping with the Anniversary events is welcome to attend.
(PEI Colt Stakes)