The Prince Edward Island Colt Stakes Select Sale is being held this Friday evening at the Civic Centre in Charlottetown, and organizers are expecting it will generate strong interest and good prices. The Select Sale is taking place at a time when the harness racing industry is rebuilding itself after going through some difficult times.
Although wagering was down during Old Home Week this year, the industry has been taking some positive steps to restructure and to recapture its audience appeal. A report conducted by the consulting firm Smith Green at the request of the provincial government has identified a number of areas for improvement, and it will be making its recommendations to government and the industry in the near future.
"I want to assure all members of the harness racing industry that government is committed to work with them to develop a strategy for its long-term growth and profitability," said Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Walter Bradley. "We will strongly support their efforts to make the changes which are necessary to achieve that goal."
The industry has already begun to implement some changes and undertake new initiatives. This past season, a teletheatre network was launched, and it is now available in 13 locations across the Maritimes.
The Colt Stakes Select Sale on Friday evening will feature 80 yearlings.