Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park today released details on the 2021 Gold Cup and Saucer week of racing, which will take place from Thursday, Aug. 12 to Saturday, Aug. 21.
Race programs are scheduled for Thursday, August 12 at 7 p.m. (ADT) Saturday, Aug. 14 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday Aug. 16 through Friday, Aug. 20 with post times at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 21 will feature another double-header at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., concluding with the 62nd edition of the Guardian Gold Cup and Saucer. Red Shores restaurants are sold out for the week. The outdoor tarmac will have capacity limits with more information to be announced soon as Red Shores continues to work with public health officials.
“We’ve been planning for another big event,” said Lee Drake, Manager of Racing & Broadcast with Red Shores. “We had to make an adjustment with the race schedule but we have a great week planned along with promotions, special stories and guests.”
The horses will be announced at the press conference Tuesday, Aug. 10. Each horse entered in the Trials will receive a Gold Cup Welcome Package from the PEI Harness Racing Industry Association which includes golf passes, gas card, Confederation Bridge pass and gift certificates to Island restaurants, merchandise and more.
“We are also pleased to announce that the successful Birthplace of Confederation Mares Series will return for 2021, again sponsored by the City of Charlottetown,” said Drake. “This year, Mayor Brown and Council have named the event in memory of Dianne and Shelley Gass, in recognition of their devotion to the harness racing industry.”
The Birthplace of Confederation Series is for Pacing Mares ages three and older, and will feature eliminations for $3,500 on Saturday, Aug. 14, with the $8,000 Final and $4,000 Consolation to be held on Gold Cup night. There are no nomination or starting fees, but nominations must be made to the Red Shores Race Office by 3:00 p.m.
Trotters ages three and older are invited to compete in the Colonel Dan Trot Series, which will feature eliminations for $3,000 on Saturday, Aug. 14 with the $6,000 Final and $3,000 Consolation to be held on Gold Cup night. The event is named in honour of the late Col. Dan MacKinnon, a leading figure in the history of PEI harness racing. There are no nomination or starting fees, but nominations must be made to the Red Shores Race Office by 3:00 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9.
For information on Gold Cup week, post times and Race Day broadcast, go to redshores.ca.
(Red Shores)