Boxing Day in New Brunswick will see an end to an era in Saint John that saw the track operated by the Saint John Exhibition Association. Racing and it's many facets will be operated by a group under the working name of Harness Racing New Brunswick.

Although there will be a transition period from one group to another, horsemen are betting on the fact that industry will see a revival that it has been seeking for years after a decline almost put an end to the long standing tradition of horse racing.

Not much information has been provided on the progress of the new group but you can bet that things are progressing with Ross Galbraith providing leadership with a number of hand-picked industry leaders.

Some stables at E.P.R are busting at the seams. Trainer Earl Fram has over twenty horses in his barn (s) in which many are weekly race horses. Bob MacNeil has increased his normal stock levels on overnight horses on the hopes that the purses will rise and maybe more racing opportunities added.

It is hoped that eventually night racing can return to the track. I think this is just one of the keys to it's success and sustainability. Along with that, a new building is a must. In order to attract new fans and bring back people who have left due to the lack of facilities, not getting a building right away would be a step backward.

Horsemen like Mike Downey, Steve Mahar, Doug Beckwith, Bo Sowers have returned from Maine with the hopes that just maybe they can be enticed to remain in the province to race. Time will tell, but for right now, signs around the track are that things are going to improve under the new entity.

Yearling purchases were very healthy this year with N.B very active not only at with the promising youngsters, but in the broodmare ranks as well. Among buyers of broodmares were Andre Moeller and Dr. Hugh Baird.

Scott Waddell