The Tyne Valley Downs, one of six matinee harness racing tracks in Prince Edward Island, has been officially re-opened following an upgrade of its facilities. The state-of-the art facility includes an upgraded track, along with a training and rehabilitation centre for racehorses. The centre features the province’s only matinee track exercise facility. The centre will work closely with staff and students from the Atlantic Veterinary College.
Funding for the facilities was provided by the Tyne Valley Downs Horsemen’s Association with support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Association, Service Canada, the ADAPT Council, the provincial Department of Agriculture and the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development.
“Matinee tracks are a vital component of the province’s growing harness racing industry,” said Allan Campbell, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development. “I congratulate the Tyne Valley Horsemen’s Agency for its initiative and vision in expanding the facilities at the track.”
The project involved upgrading the track surface, construction of a multi-use building to house the exerciser, a maintenance area, blacksmith shop, stalls and paddocks. The project was based on a strategic plan for matinee track development in Prince Edward Island.
“This project is an excellent example of people working together to develop new opportunities in rural Prince Edward Island,” said Mr. Campbell. “The first class rehabilitation and training facilities add a new dimension to matinee tracks and are expected to attract business from across the province.”