Just a quick note to remind all horsemen in the west that qualifiers are set to go in Yorkton on Sunday May 13 with a 1 p.m. post time.
Entries can be made by phone to race secretary Jim Sampson at (204)723-2574. Box closes Wednesday May 9 at noon.
"We are very pleased to be returning to Yorkton to begin the harness racing season in Saskatchewan," said SSHA President Glenn Le Drew. "Racing is getting under way in May for the first time in many years. Our race season has expanded again and will see weekly racing for 16 consecutive weeks in Yorkton followed by another 4 weeks in Saskatoon.
"Despite our challenges, the harness racing industry is once again growing in Saskatchewan. Barns open tomorrow (May 1) and stall applications received by the Yorkton Exhibition Association indicate that the backstretch is almost at capacity. The season has grown from only six weeks just two years ago to one that now spans six calendar months (May to October).
"Members are encouraged by this and there is a renewed optimism in the industry here. Previous owners are coming back into the business and current owners are buying more horses and expanding their operation, Le Drew noted.
"While we were dissappointed that Craven's dates were not approved, we are glad that Yorkton agreed to pick up the extra eight dates so there is no interruption in the 2007 schedule.
"Yorkton is committed to a future in harness racing, they have removed the rail in preparation of this year's meet and we are confident that they will be a permanent stop on the Saskatchewan Harness Racing circuit.
"As most of the SSHA membership resides in the Regina area we are hopeful that our racing circuit will some day, once again include racing in the Queen City."
Opening day in Yorkton is Saturday, May 26 with a post time of 1 p.m.
The rest of the 2007 schedule includes Saturday, June 2 and then switches over to Friday nights up until September 7. Racing then resumes at Marquis Downs for Friday and Saturday evenings from September 14 to October 6.
Yorkton Dates: May 26, June 2, 8, 15, 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27; August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and September 7.
Saskatoon Dates: September 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29; October 5 and 6.
(SSHA)
