After just concluding its 2014 season, Alberta Downs may have hosted its last card of harness racing.
A post on its facebook page from Tuesday revealed that the Lacombe, Alta. one-mile oval had not been granted race dates by Horse Racing Alberta for 2015.
"After 5 years of supplying the harness racing industry in Alberta with a place to race. Despite a 50% increase in daily handle in 2014 over 2013. Horse Racing Alberta has decided not to give Alberta Downs any more race days in the future. We thank the horsemen and fans for their support over the last 5 years."
That news was confirmed by the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association, who informed Trot Insider that a total of 90 days have been assigned to the still-to-be-completed Century Downs racetrack project and 23 dates have been granted to Northlands Park for the 2015 season.
The total race dates on this first draft race calendar -- 113 -- is up from the 104 dates scheduled in 2014. These dates are not etched in stone given that Century Downs is still under construction and slated to open in spring 2015.
This is ridiculous.
This is ridiculous. Regardless of a new track opening, this was a real nice venue to watch races at.