Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Numbers Up for Atlantic Grand Circuit Week

July 28, 2008

Despite tough times for the harness racing industry, Truro Raceway is boasting of increases in wagers and attendance.

Joe Kelly, raceway manager, secretary and announcer, told the Truro Daily News overall wagers in 2007 had increased 4.1 per cent and the first six months of 2008 show an increase of wagers by $380,000, or 11.5 per cent. Complete year-to-date figures were not available as they are still being calculated.

“A lot has to do with (horse) Somebeachsomewhere. He’s revitilized the industry and gave us a hero to root for,” said Kelly as Atlantic Grand Circuit Week wrapped up Sunday. “It’s been a long time since a horse of his calibre has been in the game.”

Kelly also said there was an increase in attendance for this year’s Atlantic Grand Circuit Week. Although attendance is not officially recorded because the raceway does not collect an admission fee, Kelly said the week easily brought in more than 10,000 people.

“It makes me optimistic for the future. It’s certainly been better and I just hope the upswing continues.”

Race office secretary Diane Daniels said there were an average of six new fans a day, indicated by new fan gift packages that were released. While that is not a large number, it is comforting for Daniels to see new faces.

“I think Somebeachsomewhere ... has put harness racing back on the map and we’re getting more attention at this raceway because of it.”

Greenfield’s Morah Kerr was at the raceway Sunday as a fan, but her horse Elm Grove Ilse also raced twice during the week. Kerr would like to see more people take an interest in harness racing.

“There are new faces, but not many teenagers or people in their 20s. People have lost touch with animals and are more into new technology,” said Kerr. “I hope to see more interactive activities, more draws and contests, more publicity and more chances to meet the horses we have here, even throughout the year.”