By Diane Daniels
Thrilling starts and edge of your seat finishes will be the norm tonight at the Truro Raceway with 34 three-year-old pacing colts and fillies lining up in five divisions of the MacKenzie Memorial Stake, competing for purses totalling $ 33,579.
Atlantic Canada’s top trainers, keenest drivers, along with the most talented three year olds will be serving up an evening of fun, excitement and breath-taking miles under the lights.
Remembering the MacKenzies
Carl MacKenize guided the fortunes of the Truro Raceway from the early 1940s until retirement as general manager in 1974.
During those formative years, Carl’s wife, Margaret, assisted and supported him in his duties. It was during Mackenzie’s tenure that night racing was first introduced in Truro on a continuous basis as well as the use of photo-finish equipment and the public tote board system. MacKenzie set up the first electronic timing device in Nova Scotia, forged ahead with the on-going use of a starting gate, as well as pioneering win, place and show wagering at the Nova Scotia track.
Post time for the 14-dash card is 6:30 p.m. Qualifying rounds are scheduled to start at 5 p.m. Four qualifying dashes of two-year-old pacers that will be making their debut start behind the gate to launch their racing careers, along with a single dash of aged qualifiers.
Who’s hot
Truro’s leading driver, Darren Crowe, continues his winning ways, posting up three victories last Friday evening with Cherry Pop, Dinger Two and Badlandia.
Saint John native, Dale Spence, 25, experienced a career building weekend, picking up five wins at Truro on June 15, three in Saint John on Saturday and a single in Summerside on Sunday.
Crowe will get the call on nine while Spence will take a seat behind eight this evening.
What’s new
Race goers are asked to keep a watch on Truro Raceway’s Facebook page and website for information on upcoming second chance draws (uncashed tickets) as well as a monthly draw for a night at the Hampton Inn and Suites.
Volunteers are needed for the Atlantic Regional Driving Championship, slated for Truro Raceway on June 29.
With Atlantic Grand Circuit week only a few weeks away, general manager Kelly MacEachen, along with the raceway’s organizational team, are looking to put together a committee to assist with special events.
For further information, contact Kelly at 902-890-5256.
Chase the Ace
The Ace is still alive. Only two cards remain and the jackpot is $32,946.50
Last week’s winner, Rae MacInnis, and picked up $2,044 in prize winnings.
Tickets sell for $5 each or 5 for $20 and are available on Sundays at the Truro Horsemen’s Club between 1 and 3 p.m., followed by the draw. Tickets are also available at Truro Raceway on Friday evenings during the regular race card.
Top of the Turn Special
June 15 – Roast beef dinner, including tea/coffee and dessert, $15.95.
Hot summer
June 29 – Regional Driving Championship
July 19 to 22 – Atlantic Grand Circuit Week
New Brunswick bound
Shipping out of Truro for Saturday’s program in the Port City of Saint John will be Four Starz Holdem, out of the Nick White camp, and Electric Syl and Distinctiv Rusty for owners Andrea Rennison and Ryder Matthews Rennison.
Post time Saturday for EPR is 1 p.m.
Diane Daniels is a Standardbred Canada field representative.
