“It’s the excitement, the minute the lights go down and there is an amazing silence as the crowd numbering around 20,000 holds their collective breath waiting for the horses to go to post.”
The I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club’s Heart of Harness Racing Calendar photographer for August is Frances Lund of Charlottetown, P.E.I.
The calendar image is a shot of the Gold Cup and Saucer post parade of Anthony MacDonald and Smokin Bear last season at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park.
Frances, aka ‘Frankie’, got into harness racing after she had a summer job that was based at the track. Leith Carr, Buddy Sheppard, Buddy Campbell, Walter Craig and Ike Morrside introduced her to the world of harness racing. She took her early lessons on how to job and care for horses from Paul MacDonald and then worked for James MacGregor at Glengyle Farms.
“I never attended the Gold Cup when I was a kid, but I do remember lying on my parents’ bed with my Dad listening to the call of the race on the radio almost every year,” said Lund. “I have to say, the most memorable thing from each Gold Cup are the people I meet because of it. “
“I always watch the big race from the turn where the MacGregor stable is located, at the top of the stretch. It gets pretty crowded there and I often couldn’t get a good shot as a result.”
“I asked an older gentleman that comes to our barn to build me a step so I could actually watch the spectacle and take photos. This slightly higher vantage allowed me to shoot the scene that I had watched for so many years: the horses going under the spotlight during the post parade.”
‘Frankie’ can often be found trackside most race days in Charlottetown, Summerside and on the P.E.I. matinee track circuit. She is also involved on the other side of the lens, preparing the yearlings at Woodmere Farms for the Annual Atlantic Classic sale in October and grooming several Gold Cup contenders over the years.
“There is the buzz that electrifies the air as each horse parades down the stretch under the spotlight, a buzz that is only broken by family and friends cheering on horses and drivers.”
Speaking of Old Home Week with fondness, she believes the race itself is the icing on the cake. With a week packed full of reunions, making new friends and listening to the stories, the outside world is shut out and all eyes are on the main event.
“These traditions make this race the most amazing show and there is nothing you could add to improve it!”