Local race tracks have secured race dates for the 2016 horse racing season.
The Dresden Raceway will have 11 race dates starting at the end of May while the Leamington Raceway has been given 13 race dates that will start in August.
Lucile Laprise with the Dresden Agricultural Society says she is pleased the Ontario Racing Commission continues to split the dates among the regional tracks. "That's only the right thing to do though. We don't want to hurt one another, we're all in it for the same reason and we all want to have good race days," says Laprise. Director Mark Williams with the Lakeshore Horse Racing Association says the late race dates have been successful for them and they are hoping that continues. "Our fans have been coming out and supporting us at every level and not to mention the community at large with the sponsorships and all those things," says Williams. Both racetracks are hoping to secure one to two more dates before the start of the season but will have to apply for them separately in April. All races will take place on Sundays, except for holiday races taking place at the Dresden Raceway on Friday July 1 and Monday August 1.