You wouldn't know it by the weather, but spring must be here because matinee racing is starting
.
The Prince County Exhibition grounds in Alberton, PEI will be the scene of the first Challenge Series races of the season. The races will take place on Saturday, May 21 and will start at 2:00 p.m.
Allen Shaw has reported that the track is in excellent shape and it should be a great opportunity to prep both young horses and racehorses getting ready to qualify.
All horses are welcome, but must be entered at least two days in advance to Joey Campbell at 902-831-2380.
The decision was made at the April Director's Meeting to continue setting an example for whipless racing. However, it was also decided that teaching young horses sometimes requires guiding them with a whip. Although drivers with whips will be allowed to race to give their horses experience, they will not receive points or travel subsidy for that race. Track directors at the meeting also agreed that the emphasis would be on sportsmanlike and professional conduct at all matinee races in order to further their mandate of increasing youth participation and attracting new fans to this historic sport.
The five matinee tracks in Prince Edward Island are unique in that anyone can participate without licence or membership in a very highly regulated sports business.
Bring the whole family out to Alberton on the 21st for a Saturday afternoon of fun and good racing.
Information about the PEI matinee program can be found at peimatineetracks.com or by calling Susan Whelan at 902-894-6511.
(Matinee Racetrack Development Project)