Racing Turns 50 On The Rock

On Sunday, July 15 the Newfoundland Harness Horse Owners Association (NHHOA) will celebrate the 50th year of pari-mutuel harness racing in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Local dignitaries will be on hand as St. John's Racing and Entertainment Centre will play host to 50th Anniversary celebrations, including many exciting activities such as family display tables showing years of racing memorabilia in Newfoundland, prize giveaways, face painting, pony rides, a BBQ, a feature race and local entertainment. Following the races fans can go for a jog around the oval with some of the local drivers as well. The Special Events Committee have done a total makeover of the winner circle to commemorate the 50th year.

"Reaching 50 years is a tremendous milestone for harness racing in Goulds and the entire province," said the Honourable Minister Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “Operating a facility of this nature and growing an industry to where it stands today requires a collective effort and solid community partnerships. After a half a century of business, it is clear that all those involved have committed to this thinking and delivered a first-rate product and facility for its customers to enjoy.”

To officially mark the occasion, Minister Hutchings, will join Dennis O’Keefe, Mayor of St. John’s, and officials from the St. John’s Racing and Entertainment Centre and the Newfoundland Harness Horse Owners Association, to celebrate the anniversary on Sunday, July 15. The celebrations will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the St. John’s Racing and Entertainment Centre, which is located at 65 Lakeview Drive in Goulds.

“We are so pleased to recognize the St. John’s Racing and Entertainment Centre in Goulds for what is a tremendous achievement,” said Mayor Dennis O’Keefe. “You cannot stay in business for 50 years without becoming a part of your community and delivering a fun experience year after year. They are trailblazers in the sport of harness racing and we wish them another 50 years of continued success.”

Sunday’s celebrations will include a barbecue, music, face painting for children, pony rides and historical displays that capture the facility’s history.

“Today is a celebration of 50 years of pari-mutuel racing in Newfoundland,” said Keith Gowan, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Harness Racing Association. “The association looks forward to many more years of harness racing and a continued strong partnership with St. John's Racing and Entertainment Centre.

Setup of the history area in the main building will be completed on Saturday afternoon and track officials encourage fans to come by Saturday from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. to look at some of the amazing materials that have been assembled.

As volunteers are still needed, anyone wishing to help out should contact Debra Downing ([email protected]) as soon as possible.

The feature race of the afternoon is carded as Race 8, pitting 2011 Mare of the Year Our Ryall Flush (PP5, Robert Forward, Jr.) against morning line choice Major Venue (PP4, Scott Forward) making his St. John's debut.

To view the entries for St. John's Sunday card, click the following link: Sunday Entries - St. John's.