Harness racing is thriving on P.E.I. but is struggling on the Mainland.
There seems to be a shortage of top-class horses early in the Maritime harness racing season.
Only five were entered in last weekend's Cecil Ladner race in Charlottetown, which in past years featured eliminations, a final and was a kickoff to the region’s top races.
The Governor’s Plate in Summerside is three weeks away, and time will tell if there are enough horses for eliminations.
The 2015 season is off to a great start on P.E.I. There have been healthy wagers, including almost $49,000 in Charlottetown on June 13 and Summerside wagered over $22,000 the last two Sundays. Pretty good numbers that will only get better with the summer tourist season.
The same cannot be said about tracks in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. New Brunswick only starts Wednesday in Fredericton, and the industry is all but dead in that province.
The Saint John, Fredericton and Woodstock tracks have 15 cards on tap over July and August, which is very little to get excited about if you are a horse owner in that province.
Truro had its curtain-raiser Thursday, but only $4,000 was wagered on eight races. If you have the money to get a good horse, the bleak-looking picture in two of the three Maritime provinces is a good reason to keep your money.
Those around the sport on P.E.I. have reason to be thankful for what we have here.
by Joe MacIntyre