The always-popular Fireworks and Family Fun Night returns to Woodbine Mohawk Park this Saturday evening.
A big night of activities for all-ages is planned, including live racing, entertainment and a firework spectacular. The evening’s activities launch at 5:30 p.m., live racing begins at 6:45 p.m. and the fireworks show will take place shortly after 10 p.m.
Saturday’s 10-race card is headlined by a pair of SBOA Stakes finals and the season debut of reigning Horse of the Year, Mcwicked.
The SBOA Stakes features Ontario sired three-year-old fillies with pacers competing for $165,290 and trotters for $164,290.
Undefeated filly Sunny Dee leads the pace final, which is carded as Race 8. The Bob McIntosh trainee won her elimination in 1:52.3 to start her career with six consecutive victories. The daughter of Sunshine Beach will start from post-two with driver Trevor Henry at the controls.
The trot final features a showdown between impressive elimination winners Haveoneforme and Bright Eyes M. Both fillies are sired by Kadabra and each won their elimination in 1:56.2.
Haveoneforme has won four of six starts to begin her career. The Richard ‘Nifty’ Norman trainee was unraced as a two-year-old and was making her Mohawk Park debut in last weekend’s elimination. Paul MacDonell will drive.
Bright Eyes M is now two for two to start her sophomore campaign after going winless in three starts last July. The John Bax trainee won by 2-1/4 lengths last week and will continue to team with driver Steve Byron.
The SBOA Filly Trot final is carded as Race 6.
Fans waiting for the post-race fireworks could be in for some in the evening’s ninth-race, as a pair of pacing heavyweights clash in the $34,000 Preferred.
Defending Horse of the Year Mcwicked will make his season debut after a pair of qualifiers. The Casie Coleman trainee posted 12 wins and earned $1.6 million in 19 starts last season. Louis Philippe Roy will steer the career-earner of $4 million in a race for the first-time since July of 2017.
The king of the Preferred this season at Mohawk Park has been Sintra and the six-year-old will look to extend her current win streak to eight. Racing for the team of Stephanie and Jody Jamieson, Sintra most recently posted 1:50.2 score on May 26 to remain undefeated in 2019.
Sintra currently sports career numbers of 25 wins and $1.1 million in earnings.
The Preferred is carded as Race 9.
Racing fans can show up early Saturday for a meet and greet with drivers James MacDonald and Doug McNair. Both drivers will be heading off to Sweden this month to compete in the World Driving Championship.
MacDonald captured the 2017 championship and is participating as the defending champion, while McNair won the 2018 Canadian championship to earn the right to wear the red and white at this year’s event.
The meet and greet will take place from 5:30-6:15 p.m.
Fans of all-ages will be able to enjoy activities and entertainment throughout the entire evening.
A $5 Kids Zone, featuring inflatables and pony rides, will be set up at the east end of the apron. A crafts zone and Equimania will also be set up inside the Grandstand. There will also be live music from 6-10 p.m. and LED performers at 10 p.m.
Fans will have plenty of options for food and beverages during Fireworks and Family Fun Night, including the Woodbine Food Truck, Billy Dee’s Nut Stand, pizza and ice cream.
(Woodbine Mohawk Park)