Due to the success of a pilot program to increase participation at three matinee harness racing tracks, it has now been expanded to all matinee tracks in the province. Under the pilot program, transportation assistance of $50 per horse was paid to Prince Edward Island owners who travel 30 kilometers or more one way for designated programs in O'Leary, Alberton and Kensington. That assistance will now be available to horse owners travelling to designated programs at Pinette and St. Peter's.
"Due to the tremendous response of horse owners under the pilot program, and at the request of track officials in Pinette and St. Peter's, I am very pleased to announce that the program will now be available to all matinee tracks in the province," said Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill. "The matinee tracks are important to rural communities and in encouraging grassroots participation in the harness racing industry."
Now, the 16 highest point earners participating in designated events at all matinee tracks will be eligible to race at championship finals at the Summerside raceway later this season.
The first designated event under the program took place during the O'Leary Potato Blossom Festival last month, and increased the number of participating horses from an expected dozen or so to 34. "The assistance program enabled us to present an excellent race card, which also resulted in a huge turnout," said Clair Sweet, a track official in O'Leary. "We have received many positive comments about the competitive races, and our horse owners are looking forward to the next races in the program."
Mr. Sweet expresses his appreciation to Mr. Hammill for his support of the work of matinee tracks.
Upcoming designated feature events will be held August 18 in Pinette, August 19 and 21 during the Prince County Exhibition in Alberton and August 22 during the Community Harvest Festival in Kensington. A designated feature is also being scheduled at St. Peter's in September.