The series made its Island debut last year at the Summerside Raceway where the local community raised thousands of dollars during the popular event. Summerside organizer Lynn Whitlock and her fundraising team have been busy preparing for the series selling Harness the Hope bracelets, attracting sponsors and designing a meet and greet session for sponsors from 4:30pm-5:30pm prior to the post time.

The official race programs will be printed in pink to honor the night and the Summerside Sales and Promotions committee will donate 50/50 proceeds to the fundraiser.

Colleen Chappell and Ambyr MacPhee will represent PEI with Tammy MacKay competing on behalf of N.S.

The Mildred Williams International Series will have Carole Dumont, Trois Rivieres QC, Stacy Chiodo, Jackson NJ, Cheri Lee Waugheller, Vernon NY and Ann Curran, Smith Falls ON, who was honored with an O'Brien Award for her role as event organizer last year.

Canada's all-team leading female driver Clare MacDonald was scheduled to drive in the series but suffered a severe concussion and broken ribs in a spill Saturday night at Exhibition Park Raceway in Saint John N.B.

The ladies will make their first appearance in the Juanita Riley Memorial on race 4. Woodmere Westroute is listed at 2-1 on the morning line for Colleen Chappell and owner-trainer Wayne Pike, Winsloe. Tammy MacKay could add to her totals aboard You Old Smoothie owned by Rollie Larkin, Hunter River while the Willis Sillikier trained Ashleys Storm could sweep late for Carole Dunmont.

The field also includes Little JoJo and Ann Curran, Dal Reo Quizical with Stacy Chiodo, Angela Dawn with Ambyr MacPhee and JT Ritz and Cheri Lee Waugheller.

The second division, presented by Sunnybrook Farm Feed Store, has Far Away Places, co-owned by Abel Arsenault, Saint John, NB and Philip Deroches, Coleman, PE, as the early favorite.

Stacy Chiodo gets the driving assignment from post 2. Canubelievehesmagic, who won his last start by a nose in 1:59.3 could give Colleen Chappell a shot a top three finish with Athenas Pride, trained by Alex Sobey, is also a top contender.

The evening's top class will go in race 11 carrying a purse of $1,800. The power-packed roster has Allamercian Wow off the rail for driver Norris Rogers, KG Affair, Just Chill Lyn, Island Hurricane, Trymydream, Royal Val, Nag and Todds on Nike.

A special thanks to the event sponsors

Clare MacDonald Truro NS Sponsored by : Gordon's Enterprises ( Bob Gordon )

Queen Claire as she is known by in the Maritimes is the leading Canadian female driver ever

Ambyr MacPhee Margate PEI Sponsored by : Sherry's Heating Service & Kensington Horsemans Club

Amber is a fourth generation harness driver and is extremely competitive in the Mildred Williams Series

Colleen Chappell Breadalbane PEI Sponsored by : PEI Harness Racing Industry Association & Fred & Wilbur Lamont

Colleen is regarded as one of the best people to have looking after your horse. She pays attention to even the smallest details.

Tammy MacKay Truro NS Sponsored by : Gentlemen Jim's Restaurant

Tammy says"I love to go fast and drive by other horses - racing is a real rush! I love it-especially when I win

Carole Dumont Trois Rivieres QC Sponsored by : PEI Standarbred Horse Owners Association

Carole won the 1980 Canadian University Championship, received a 1,000.00 and bought her first horse!

Stacy Chiodo Jackson NJ Sponsored by : Hollylaine Island Farms

Stacy currently holds the world record as the fastest female harness driver winning with Mighty Young Joe in 150.3.

Cheri Lee Waugh Vernon NY Sponsored by : Experienced Builders

Cheri Lee is really looking forward to coming to the Maritimes to compete in the Mildred Williams driving series.

Ann Curran Smith Falls ON Sponsored by : Winburn Harris

Ann is the organizer of the Mildred Williams Driving Series and the winner of the Cam Fella Award in 2007

A special thanks to Frank Goodwin for accommodation services.

Harness Racing PEI