At The Half Mile Marker

Here we are, 25 race days behind us and 25 more race days ahead. Manitoba Derby draw and luncheon on July 31st followed by the big Derby race on August 4th, also on that same day the Escape Clause Stakes and the Harvey Warner Mile.

Started the year off with the Easter Dinner and have made our way through a few well attended BBQ's, the latest one hosted by Masterfeeds.

2 year old races are starting up and despite low horse numbers, races are being filled. The addition of new trainers such as Jason Homer, Dewey Williams/Eugene Burns and Lorne Fraser have helped with the horses they have brought in. The races have been well attended by the veteran horse players and the young novice crowd. Exciting to hear the loud cheers as the horses come down the stretch. The upstairs dining room including the race day buffet continues to be fully booked on race nights.

The HBPA has stepped up to the plate this race season. Office is now open 6 days a week, Monday to Saturday, allowing both trainers and owners the opportunity to have questions answered and other business attended to. The HBPA continues to share information and ideas with the MJC, LGCA and CTHS to better build a relationship that benefits all involved with racing. The addition of Marcia to the office management position with her computer skills and positive personality is appreciated by all. The HBPA has also fulfilled two long coming projects. The first was to purchase and install a new washer/dryer for the backstretch. It has been well received and we ask everyone to respect the equipment and properly share the use of the two machines to allow everyone the opportunity to wash and dry their clothes. The second order of business was the purchase and installation of a brand new ice flake machine for the horsemen, a project that was a long time coming. HBPA president Scott Anderson worked endlessly to obtain the new machine. An exhaust fan has been added to the ice shack for proper cooling. The HBPA would like to welcome two new board members, Brett Desjarlais and Madison Tirk. The office is open to all, drop in say Hello and offer any suggestions to make the backside a better place.

The Winner's Foundation continues to offer services, it is available to everyone. Cindy Willette is the counsellor and she is here to help you through the tough spots in life. A new addition to the team is Tracy. Tracy is the athletic therapist and from what I hear she is very good, contact her as soon as possible to get on her list.

So despite the northern wild fires which unfortunately continue to hinder daily race operations and racing with air quality and smoke index readings , we will continue in the turn and set up for the stretch drive to the finish line.

Good Racing Luck to Everyone!!!!!