July 13, 2012
Minister to Join in Celebrating 50 Years of Harness Racing in Goulds
Today, the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, is extending his congratulations to the community partners whose efforts have led to 50 years of harness racing in Goulds.
“Reaching 50 years is a tremendous milestone for harness racing in Goulds and the entire province,” said Minister Hutchings. “Operating a facility of this nature and growing an industry to where it stands today requires a collective effort and solid community partnerships. After a half a century of business, it is clear that all those involved have committed to this thinking and delivered a first-rate product and facility for its customers to enjoy.”
To officially mark the occasion, Minister Hutchings, will join Dennis O’Keefe, Mayor of St. John’s, and officials from the St. John’s Racing and Entertainment Centre and the Newfoundland Harness Horse Owners Association, to celebrate the anniversary on Sunday, July 15. The celebrations will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the St. John’s Racing and Entertainment Centre, which is located at 65 Lakeview Drive in Goulds.
“We are so pleased to recognize the St. John’s Racing and Entertainment Centre in Goulds for what is a tremendous achievement,” said Mayor Dennis O’Keefe. “You cannot stay in business for 50 years without becoming a part of your community and delivering a fun experience year after year. They are trailblazers in the sport of harness racing and we wish them another 50 years of continued success.”
Sunday’s celebrations will include a barbecue, music, face painting for children, pony rides and historical displays that capture the facility’s history.
“Today is a celebration of 50 years of pari-mutuel racing in Newfoundland,” said Keith Gowan, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Harness Racing Association. “The association looks forward to many more years of harness racing and a continued strong partnership with St. John's Racing and Entertainment Centre.”
St. John's Racing and Entertainment Centre is a horse track in Goulds
featuring harness and thoroughbred racing. For more information on the
facility, visit www.stjre.com.
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Media contacts:
| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Jennifer Mills Communications Officer City of St. John's 709-570-2037 jmills@stjohns.ca |
| Keith Gowan President Newfoundland and Labrador Harness Racing Association 709-682-8814 |
2012 07 13 11:30 a.m.