An announcement from Horse Racing Alberta indicates that live harness racing will be returning to the province.
HRA issued the following statement on Tuesday (June 9).
On behalf of the Alberta horse racing and breeding industry, Horse Racing Alberta is pleased to announce the return of live horse racing in Alberta.
Horse Racing Alberta, in conjunction with all industry stakeholders and the Government of Alberta, is pleased to see live racing return to the province! Live Standardbred racing begins this Sunday, June 14 at The Track On 2 in Lacombe.
Live thoroughbred racing will load the gate on Sunday, June 21 in Edmonton at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, and live Standardbred racing will resume on Monday, June 22 at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino in Calgary.
Numerous safety precautions will be put in place to protect all industry participants following the Covid 19 guidelines set forth by Alberta Health and the Canadian Pari Mutuel Agency (CPMA). Racing will take place with strict physical distancing measures in place. Fans can wager live in person or in the comfort of their own homes on HPI.com.
Gill Hermanns, Chair of Horse Racing Alberta emphasized, "We are thrilled to announce the re-opening of live horse racing across Alberta with strict protective safeguards in place to protect the well-being of everyone. The industry employs over 4,800 Albertans and contributes $312 million annually to the province in economic impact."
HRA would like to thank all industry stakeholders for their co-operation, patience, and understanding during this challenging time. The Horse Racing and Breeding Industry would also like to thank the Government of Alberta for their concern and guidance during the pandemic.
A complete list of live race dates can be found at this link or at the Horse Racing Alberta website.
(HRA)
Great to have harness racing
Great to have harness racing return to Alberta, the horsemen are a resilient group, even with the reduction in days!