Manitoba Harness Racing has announced updated race dates for the 2023 season, which is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
The live racing season in Manitoba will now get underway in July with qualifiers scheduled for Saturday, July 8 in Miami, followed by three race dates on the remaining Saturdays through the end of the month (July 15, 22, 29). Post time will be 2 p.m. CDT.
Pending city and regulatory approvals, racing action will then shift to Winnipeg for the much-anticipated opening of Canada's newest racetrack, The Loop, expected on Saturday, Aug. 5. Live harness racing will continue on Saturdays until Oct. 31 for the Red River Exhibition Association meet in addition to a special card on Sunday, Sept. 3. Post time will shift from 2 p.m. to 1 p.m. in October.
After weather and construction delays postponed a 2022 opening of The Loop, officials with the Red River Exhibition Association have confirmed that the facility is ready to host harness racing, with the video system set up finalized last week by Cujo Entertainment and tote infrastructure expected to be completed by United Tote this week. The association is awaiting permits and inspections from the City of Winnipeg and the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba in order to proceed with its scheduled opening.