Shaun MacIsaac, President of the Atlantic Standardbred Breeders Association, today announced a sponsorship agreement between his organization and the Needs and Green Gables Convenience Store Group. Under the agreement, the Needs and Green Gables Convenience Store Group will contribute $20,000 as a divisional sponsor of the Atlantic Sire Stakes.
The ASBA stages the Atlantic Sires Stakes, a regional stakes program for two and three year old Maritime sired horses, which are held at various Maritime racetracks.
Needs and Green Gables Convenience Store Group operate 122 locations throughout Atlantic Canada. "As an Atlantic wide operation, we recognize the need to support the jobs and investment in the regional harness racing industry," stated Craig Pardy, General Manager for Needs and Green Gables Convenience Store Group. " We have numerous retail outlets in all locations in which the events will be staged, as well as in the communities in which the participants live and work. The people involved in harness racing are our customers, and we are happy to partner with them in this initiative."
The Atlantic Sires Stakes race for total purses of over $800,000, which are generated from contributions by the governments of Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, breeders, horse owners, racetracks, and sponsors. Participating horses earn points throughout the year leading to the Divisional Champion Finals, held as part of the Atlantic Breeders Crown. Prince Edward Island will host the Atlantic Breeders Crown for the first time in October at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
"We are very pleased that a significant retail partner such as Needs and Green Gables has joined us as a sponsor," stated Mr. MacIsaac. "Its sponsorship will be directed to increasing purses, so it will support the grassroots horse owners in every community."