At its most recent annual meeting, the Prince Edward Island Harness Racing Industry Association (PEIHRIA) revealed to a sizable audience a number of improved projects for 2024 as well as record results from the 2023 racing season.
Chair Blaine MacPherson gave an overview of the 2023 racing season on the Island, noting record total wagers, improved overnight purses, a record-breaking amount of money made in the Atlantic Classic Yearling Sale, more programs to support breeders, an overall rise in the breeding industry, and steady membership growth, especially among younger members. The audience was also given an update on the initiatives their organizations had taken on in 2023 by the remaining directors of the PEIHRIA board..
Speaking on behalf of the province, Minister of Finance Hon. Jill Burridge reaffirmed support for harness racing and its significance to Prince Edward Island's tourist and agriculture industries. In addition to thanking Premier Dennis King and his administration for their ongoing support of harness racing, MacPherson offered the assistance of his organization in sustaining the growth of the Island's robust sector.
The activities scheduled for both Island racetracks for the 2024 racing season were described by Lee Drake, Manager of Racing and Broadcast, and David MacKenzie, General Manager of Red Shores. With an 18% growth in pari-mutuel wagers in 2023, the organization experienced a record year thanks to a sustained focus on the guest experience and enhanced gambling alternatives. The organization has revealed its priorities for 2024, which include a number of new projects aimed at solidifying Red Shores' position as Atlantic Canada's top entertainment destination. The opening of the new O'Briens Social Bar and Kitchen, a new feature race event honoring Wilbur and Pauline MacDonald, sponsored by the MacDonald family, special promotions leading up to the 65th running of the Governor's Plate, sponsored by Summerside Chrysler Dodge, and the 65th running of the Gold Cup and Saucer, sponsored by the Atlantic Lottery, are just a few of the new initiatives. Another is a $600,000 commitment to the purse pool for 2024.
The Chair concluded the discussion by outlining several improved plans for the 2024 racing season, including:
• A bigger contribution to the overnight purse pool.
• The return of the Atlantic Invitational Series, which will feature improved purses for the Premier's Cup final and the Richard Campbell and Cecil Ladner Memorials.
• A revised Graduate Series in a Gold and Grassroots style for Maritime foaled/sired four, five, and six year olds.
• An increase in the starting purses for the Home Hardware Maritime Breeders Stakes, the P.E.I. Colt Stakes, the Lady Slipper Series, and the Joe O'Brien Memorial Stakes.
• The Island Ocean Trot, PEIHRIA Grassroot Trot, and Allstar Cresting Trot, three of the trot development series, will once again be offered.
• The Matinee Racetrack Development Program will continue.
• With the Gamester – Pinkney Memorial Series returning, emphasis will be placed on the development of young drivers.
• Improved breed development initiatives, including the Breed Development Fund's perpetuation and improvements to Island breeders' incentive schemes.
• An autumn and spring series to assist horses at a lower non-winning level.