Xtreme Horsepower 2 set for Aug. 9

Georgian Downs in partnership with Standardbred Canada Friday unveiled the condition sheet for the second-ever Xtreme Horsepower event, set for Aug. 9.

“We’ve been planning for Xtreme 2 since the day after Xtreme 1,” said Chris Roberts, director of operations at Georgian Downs. “This year’s event will take the best from our first effort and mix in a slew of new ideas. Some things worked well, others didn’t, but the whole event is about experimentation. Fans and horsemen can expect another incredible experience this summer–something they can’t get anywhere else!”

The 2008 condition sheet was developed jointly between Georgian Downs, Standardbred Canada and local horsepeople. It features five 18-horse dashes, ranging in distance from 1 5/8 miles to 2 1/4 miles. Add in a pair of heat-style events at sprinting distances from 1/8 miles to 5/8 miles and top it off with a 1 1/4-mile trotting event dubbed the Xtreme Rewind, which as you’ve guessed, will be contested clockwise.

“Like last year, Xtreme Horsepower offers something for everyone,” said Ted Smith, President and CEO of Standardbred Canada. “The excitement surrounding last year’s event was palpable and fans are going to love what we have in store for them in 2008. Xtreme Horsepower should be marked on everyone’s calendar. It’s quickly becoming one of the year’s must-attend events.”

For horsepeople, Xtreme Horsepower will again represent a lucrative purse option for their trotters and pacers. Total purses, including hitching fees will amount to $250,000–a payment of $300 will be made to all starters that do not earn purse money.

Xtreme Rewind: Throw the rule book away, because this 1 1/4-mile dash is being contested clockwise. Nine horses will trot "the wrong way" for a purse of $20,000.

Xtreme Sprint Classic: Speed and versatility will be tested to the extreme. The Xtreme Sprint Classic will add a second heat-racing event to the mix in 2008. Eighteen pacing hopefuls will be split between two eliminations at the distance of three-eighths of a mile. The top four finishers from each, plus one fifth-place finisher, will return for an all-out sprint at the distance of one-eighth of a mile. You won’t want to miss this one. Elimination purses: $10,000. Final purse: $20,000.

Xtreme Challenge: Perfect for those trotters and pacers that could "go around again." We’ll add a lap to our normal one mile distance and double the number of starters for this 1 5/8-mile mile challenge. The Xtreme Challenge is for horses that have started for a base claiming price of $12,000 or lower, or for non-winners of three races or $50,000. Separate events will be held for trotters and pacers with $20,000 on the line.

Xtreme Marathon: For gladiators with stamina to spare, we offer the Xtreme Marathon-a three lap, 1 7/8-mile test for $25,000. Eighteen-horse fields on both the trot and pace will duke it out for big money and xtreme prestige. The marathon is for horses that have started for a base claiming price of $20,000 or lower, or are non-winners of $100,000 lifetime.

Xtreme Classic: The ultimate test of endurance. We throw the door open to trotters for the "granddaddy" of them all–a four lap, 2 1/4-mile battle of attrition. For those up to the test, a purse of $30,000 awaits.

“You can expect plenty of Xtreme Horsepower updates and announcements in the days ahead,” said Roberts. “This event is all about the fans and the day is absolutely filled with events and attractions for everyone.”

For more information on racing conditions, contact the Georgian Downs race office at (705) 726 2558. 

Mark your calendar for Aug. 9.  Post time is 7:25 p.m. (SC)

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