Port Elgin Raceway in New Brunswick will host the annual matinee harness racing card on Sunday, August 21 as the finale to the 2016 Port Elgin Exhibition.
Established in 1896, the picturesque track continued to present race cards until July 17, 1957. The track was an active stop of the popular Blue Berry circuit, which also included Amherst, Springhill, New Glasgow and Truro.
This year's edition of the traditional six-race card event features the Ramblinglily Pace, sponsored by connections Allan Jones of Riverview and Normand Leger of Shediac. Ramblinglily is the current reigning 'Queen of the Open Mares in Atlantic Canada,' with a victory of a 1:55 flat victory during Charlottetown's Old Home Week.
A Ladies Amateur Driving Challenge, sponsored by women in harness racing in New Brunswick, also highlights the card as the second feature of the afternoon. Sponsors of this event include Paula Trites, Diane Daniels, Judy Armstrong, Gail Oulton, Valerie Phelan, Sandra Foley, Melanie Belliveau, Barb Goodwin, and Kathy McLean.
Participants at Port Elgin in previous years have included Joe O'Brien, Tom Etter, Leonard Barrieau, Earle Avery, Claire Sweet, Frank Daniels, Miles Barnett, Paul Breau, Gary Daniels, Boyd Leslie, Doug Polley & family, Carl Isenor, Scott Daniels, and Rod Jamieson, who currently holds the track record of 2:01 flat with Allwin Steady owned by Tony Piers of Shubenacadie, N.S.
Backstretch buzz indicates that this year's race is attracting the interest of players Terry Oulton of Port Elgin, Ed Harvey of Fredericton, Rick Armstrong of Saint John, Patty Sowers of Fredericton, Clayton Stevens of Pugwash, Jimmy Ripley of Amherst, Heather Gatti, Mandy Ellis, Pam Moore and Gordie McCabe, all of Truro, and Walter Cherverie of P.E.I.
In addition to prizes and blankets for the winning connections, all horses on the card will receive a $100 starting fee.
The Port Elgin Raceway facility boasts a full canteen, washrooms, free parking on site, 50-50 draw and an open invitation to race goers to visit the stables to meet the horses and talk with the owners, trainers and drivers. Fans can bring a lawn chair or stand trackside to catch the action.
Admission (including a complimentary race program) is $5 for adults, $3 for ages six to 16, and free for those under six years old.
Post time is 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 21 at Park Street, Port Elgin, N.B.
(Diane Daniels)