Changes in store for upcoming Mohawk meet

Harness racing is preparing to move from its winter home at Toronto's Woodbine Racetrack, to its summer digs at Mohawk, just a short distance away on Highway 401 west in Campbellville and when it begins on Thursday evening, there will be a few changes in store according to Woodbine Entertainment Group's vice president of Standardbred racing Bruce Murray.

"A new video wall will be unveiled inside the grandstand with 12 large screen TV's," said Murray. "That will make two video walls on the main floor and will enhance our simulcast track presentation for customers."

Mohawk has also added new large flatscreen TVs upstairs in the Terrace Lounge. Additionally, inside the enclosure, 350 padded stadium-style seats have replaced the former wooden seats for the ultimate in spectator comfort.

And outside near the paddock, where horses are housed before and after racing, a new landscaping feature is taking shape, with interlocking rubber brick being installed in lieu of the old asphalt, for the comfort and safety of the horses and horsemen.

"The cameras are continually focused on the paddock throughout every card as the horses enter and exit, so we wanted to improve both the look for the audience, and the surface appeal for the horses and participants," said Murray. "The weather has held construction up slightly, but it's nearing completion."

All of these upgrades--and a special interactive pictorial tribute to one of Canada*s greatest racehorses, which will be unveiled shortly--will only enhance the unparalleled experience of visiting Mohawk, where racing gets up close and personal with the public.

April 30 is opening night, kicking off a 115-day season featuring racing Thursday through Monday nights, until October 5. Post time is 7:30 p.m., except for Mondays when the excitement starts at 7:20 p.m.

Victoria Day weekend at Mohawk will celebrate summer with a Family Fun Night, featuring a spectacular fireworks display on Sunday, May 17. There will be a special post time of 6:30 p.m.

Stakes action begins immediately at Mohawk, with the second leg of the Princess Series, for 3-year-old pacing fillies, featured on the initial Thursday card, and continuing almost non-stop until fall.

The $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup, the meet's signature event and North America's richest harness race, has been moved back two weeks in 2009 and will be contested on Saturday, June 27.

Other major race dates this summer will include: the Maple Leaf Trot on Saturday, July 25; the Metro Pace, Canadian Pacing Derby, and Shes A Great Lady Stakes, on Saturday, September 5; the Canadian Trotting Classic on Saturday, September 19, the Peaceful Way Stakes on Sunday, September 20, and the Milton Stakes, on Saturday, October 3. (WEG)

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