Harness racing back at Marquis Downs after 10 years

For the first time in 3,983 days, live harness racing will return to Saskatchewan’s Marquis Downs on Saturday for the first of 10 race cards to be conducted over the Saskatoon five-eighths mile oval.

Two five-dash cards have been drawn for opening weekend. Saturday’s feature goes postward in the second race for a $3,450 purse, and features 6-5 morning line choice Northfield Nellie. In her debut for trainer Trevor Williams and owner David Mooney one week ago at Miami, the six-year-old pacing mare obliterated her rivals by more than 16 lengths in a time of 2:02.3. Glenn LeDrew will pilot the former Alberta open class winner from post two and face four rivals, including Miami open class mainstay A Cowboys Dream (Tyler Grundy) from post four.

Sunday’s card is anchored by a $3,800 open pace in the middle of a five-dash presentation. After besting the mares at Miami last time out, four-year-old pacing mare Hurry Home will tackle five more experienced male rivals to her inside. In her last seven starts for Team Mason — driver Darryl and trainer Sherri — Hurry Home has won six times and finished second (by a half-length) in the other. She’s accordingly listed at 6-5 on the morning line.

First post time for both Saturday and Sunday cards will be 1:00 p.m. (CST), with the races being carried through HPIbet. Live streaming of the cards will also be available through Manitoba Harness Racing’s website and YouTube channel.

Managing entity Prarieland Park canceled the 2021 thoroughbred racing season, and Marquis Downs is set to close its doors permanently in the next few years to make way for a professional Canadian Premier League soccer team.

For full opening weekend entries, click here.

From Standardbred Canada