Old Home Week slashes Thursday afternoon races from its lineup

Many lslandersand visitors alikelook forward to catching horse races as part of Old Home Week celebrations. But this year, spectators will have fewer opportunities to do so.

That's because racing officials have decided tocut Thursday afternoon races from the fair'sprogramming lineup.

Management at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino in Charlottetownsaidthe changes were necessary because it wants to make sure there are enough horses available for other races.

'What's best for racing on Prince Edward Island'

"The last couple of years in the afternoons we have been a little less than eight horse fields,"said Adam Walsh, the racing manager at Red Shores. "We as an industry always look together and build what's best for racing on Prince Edward Island,"hesaid.

This isn't the first time thatRed Shores has cut races from its line-up. Just a couple of years ago it stopped doing Tuesday afternoon races. Walsh said that's because there's a growing shortage of horses entering races.

"There is a need for horses within the North American market," he said.

Walsh added officials also wanted to ensure there are enough horses available for a special event being hosted at the Charlottetown Driving Park.Charlottetown is preparing to welcome the world at theWorld Drivers' Championships, featuring 10 countries and 11 of the best drivers and their horses.

• World's top harness drivers to do battle on Charlottetown track

Horse population down on P.E.I.

The president of P.E.I.'sHarness Racing IndustryAssociation explained more horses are being sold to off-Island owners, and the numbers just aren't there to enter enough horses in daily afternoon races.

"The horse population has dropped off here onP.E.I." said Earl Smith, whose been racingfor 50years. Smithsaidthere are alsofewer breeders.

"We're feeling the pinch now," hesaid. Smith added thatit's better for organizers to have a full field of horses for racing events.

"The numbers are just not here," he said.

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