We’re not horsing around! For the first time in 30 years, live harness racing is calling Winnipeg home.
Passionate fans came out for a beautiful sunny summer afternoon as the best of Manitoba’s standardbred horses hit their stride on the August long weekend.
Summer 2023 marks the inaugural season of harness racing at The Loop at Exhibition Park. After years of careful planning and construction of the new racetrack and venue, the excitement was palpable as horses and riders stepped onto the track for the soft launch.
For the first time, radio personality Frank Stecky took on the role of the voice of Manitoba Harness Racing, announcing the nine races on the card. A team of judges watched the action from the tower, while fans wagered on their favourites at the live betting window before cheering them on from the stands.
Baylor Bobby and driver Blake Piwniuk took the first-ever win at the new half-mile track. In his career debut, the three-year-old Armbro Baylor gelding (trained and owned by Aidan Taggart) paced the mile in 2:05. Piwniuk went on to win a total of five races throughout the day. Check out Standardbred Canada’s full recap of the day’s wins.
Experience harness racing in Winnipeg
Take in some of the best racing in the province as Exhibition Park settles into its new role as host of Manitoba Harness Racing every Saturday until Oct. 28.
Cards begin at 2 p.m. until Sept. 30, then move to 1 p.m. for the remainder of the season. Join us for a bonus race day on Sunday, Sept. 3 as part of The Fall Fair festivities at Exhibition Park. Admission and parking are free for the whole season, with the exception of paid parking on Sept. 2-3 for The Fall Fair.
To learn more about the sport and how to wager on it, visit this helpful FAQs page from Manitoba Harness Racing.
Can’t make it to the track in person? Watch the live feed so you don’t miss out on the action!
Weekend fun for the whole family
Summer Saturdays at The Loop are getting even bigger and better!
We’re thrilled to unveil the new Red River Ex Farmers’ Market, celebrating local Manitoba food growers and makers. Taking place alongside harness racing on Saturday afternoons, the market will also feature a bouncy castle and petting zoo for the kids (and kids at heart). Take in the excitement with a day of harness racing and family fun!
We’re still accepting applications from local food producers and craftspeople, so apply today.
Get ready to place your bets! We’ll see you on Saturdays for weekly harness racing and farmers’ markets, only at Exhibition Park.