The Prince Edward Island Harness Racing Industry Association has decided to build on the momentum the live harness industry has reaped for 2020 and further improve it for the upcoming live season. The association has released a survey to horse owners, trainers, and breeders in order to receive feedback on how to improve the 2021 practices.
Prince Edward Island is preparing for the imminent start of the 2021 live harness season this May. The province has enjoyed a prolific 2020 season and many locals are eager to see the start of the new season. However, the mood is quite the opposite in Ontario which is one the biggest horse racing sectors in the country as the unprecedented situation has suspended races in the province once more.
Feedback
Due to the successful 2020, the Prince Edward Island Harness Racing Industry Association has put out a survey for the industry’s workers and aims towards further enhancing the live harness experiences. The regulator will be teaming up with consultants, trainers, and breeders in order to receive the best possible feedback on the matter.
A consultant has already conducted interviews with 15 leaders in the industry, the number includes 10 trainers and 5 five breeders. The steering committee led by Mike O’Brien along with the president of Holland College and the dean of the Charlottetown-based Atlantic Veterinary College. The association will be teaming up with the two institutions in order to form an educational partnership.
Mr. O’Brien stated that a report will be conducted out of the given feedback, and the association will later share the newly acquired information in the form of presentations, podcasts, or video footage. The survey is now available for all horsepeople on PEIStandardbredSurvey.com or by picking up a copy of it at one of the two Red Shores racetracks in Charlottetown and Summerside.
Qualifiers
The first set of qualifiers has already taken place at Red Shores race track at the Charlottetown Driving Park. The first qualifier was won by Card Swap with David Dowling jockey with 2:03.4 at the live harness track. World Wonder was second at the standings, with Pictorian Thunder coming third. Over 8 qualifying sessions have taken place at the venue, as the season is about to start this Saturday.
Strict Protocols
The Charlottetown race track has adopted strict protocols in order to contain the spread of the horse disease – strangles. The highly contagious condition can prove to be of significant danger for the horses, that is why participating horses must have two negative tests for the illness and the trainer must sign a form for closely monitoring the health of the animals.
Exciting Schedule
The horse racing property has previously revealed its riveting schedule for the upcoming live 2021 harness season. Starting this May many local fans of the industry will be able to enjoy over 79 different events at the race track this season. One of the most anticipated tournaments is the 62nd edition of the Guardian Gold Cup & Saucer.
Source: “Survey asking Island horse owners how to make racing industry thrive”, CBC, May 2, 2021
