Donald Smith, President of the Atlantic Standardbred Breeders Association, today announced that Woodbine Entertainment Group has renewed its sponsorship of the Atlantic Sires Stakes program for the 2002 racing season. Woodbine Entertainment Group operate Woodbine and Mohawk racetracks in Toronto, Horse Player Interactive, Champions Teletheatre Network, and The Racing Network. 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. Under the agreement, WEG will contribute $20,000 as a divisional sponsor.
"We see our participation in the Atlantic Sires Stakes program as an investment. In our view, a healthy and viable breeding industry in Atlantic Canada will return long term dividends to us here in Ontario by way of quality racing stock," said Hugh Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Racing of Woodbine Entertainment Group. "We were very pleased with our involvement last year, and look forward to continuing our business relationship with Atlantic Canada for years to come."
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, and racetracks. 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 again host the Atlantic Breeders Crown Thanksgiving weekend in October at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
"Woodbine Entertainment Group has shown its commitment to our regional Maritime harness racing and breeding industry," said Mr. Smith. "Its support will again directly increase purses for participating horsemen, so it will really assist the grassroots of the industry."