The return of harness racing to Fraser Downs has been delayed.
Originally set to begin Sept. 17, Harness Racing B.C. has now pushed their start date back to Sept. 30.
鈥淲e were waiting on some funding, but the slots didn鈥檛 open,鈥� said Randy Rutledge, president of Harness Racing B.C. 鈥淲e ended up having to move our first race back to Sept. 30.鈥�
Rutledge said harness racing will run until December, at which time they鈥檒l reassess the situation in relation to COVID-19 and in relation to the status of Elements Casino.
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鈥淚f the slots open, then we鈥檒l be in a better position,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e get a percentage of our money from that and with (the casino) being closed, it鈥檚 really impacted our income.鈥�
He said he鈥檚 spoken with Great Canadian Gaming and they鈥檝e told him the casino may open in November, but that a decision on whether or not to open will remain day to day.
鈥淓veryone is ready to race,鈥� added Rutledge. 鈥淭he Breeders鈥� Stakes are going to go in as scheduled. It鈥檚 an elimination that will start Oct. 14, run two weeks, and the final will be in November.鈥�
Rutledge said because revenues are down, the purse for the Breeders鈥� Stakes will drop from $100,000 to $75,000 this year.
Rutledge noted there won鈥檛 be any fans allowed to watch the races in person, but the races will be live-streamed via .
鈥淵ou鈥檒l be able to watch all the races there and also place a bet, if you鈥檇 like.鈥�
editor@cloverdalereporter.com
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