2023 Matinee Challenge Series Race Dates

New for 2023:
1) Drivers for the finals in Charlottetown or Summerside must have at least a Standardbred Canada grooms licence to participate for insurance purposes.
2) Drivers must have participated in no more than fifteen (15) parimutuel starts to be eligible to drive in the finals.
**Full list of matinee guidelines are available below.**

DayDateLocation Time
SundayJune 25thPinette2:00pm
WednesdayJuly 5thO’Leary6:30pm
SundayJuly 16thKensington2:00pm
SaturdayJuly 222ndO’Leary Potato Blossom Festival2:30pm
SaturdayJuly 29thAlberton2:30pm
WednesdayAugust 2ndTyne Valley Oyster Festival6:30pm
SundayAugust 27thPinette Kilted Pace2:00pm
SundaySeptember 3rdPinette2:00pm
SaturdaySeptember 16thO’Leary Children’s Wish Day2:00pm
    
Finals
SaturdaySeptember 23rdCharlottetown Driving Park6:00pm
TuesdaySeptember 26thSummerside Raceway6:00pm
 

Matinee Racetracks of Prince Edward Island

Informal matinee racing is usually held in Pinette on Wednesday nights at 6:30. Check with the contact listed below for the track to confirm. If horse accommodation is required, please contact the track representative at the contact number below.

RACING GUIDELINES:

Drivers must keep a line in each hand with hands in the handholds for the entire race. No driver shall kick or hit a horse with his/her foot in any manner. Excessive use of a whip will be penalized by loss of points, travel allowance, coolers, all prizes and attendance in the winner’s circle. Repeat offenders will be denied entry in future matinee races. A line must be kept in each hand and the whip cannot be used below the shafts.

All horses for any Challenge Series race must use their proper race name (no nicknames).

All horses for any Challenge Series race MUST be entered by 6 p.m. TWO DAYS IN ADVANCE. Kensington entries must be in no later than Thursday.

Horses who participate in races on these dates will earn points towards finals at Summerside and Charlottetown Raceway. The top sixteen point earners will race in the finals (with 2 AE) for a cooler and the Championship trophy presented to the winner of one division on an annual rotating basis for each of four divisions.

To be eligible to race in the finals, a horse must have competed in at least three (3) of the above events, at a minimum of two (2) different tracks.

Drivers of horses in the Final must have participated in no more than fifteen (15) pari-mutuel starts to be eligible. Drivers for the finals in Charlottetown or Summerside must have at least a Standardbred Canada grooms licence to participate for insurance purposes. 

Horsemen who travel over 50 km one-way will be eligible for a gas allowance. Horses must be competitive in order to receive payment. Horses not entered in time and or their proper registered name will not race and will not receive points or allowance.

Please contact the following, regarding conditions and entries:

Alberton -Philip Des Roches 902-856-0167
Kensington – Fred Paynter 902-886-2445
O’Leary – Clair Sweet: 902-859-2221 or Phillip DesRoches 902-856-0167
Pinette –Raymond White 902-969-7702 or Christopher Mac Rae 902-659-2632
Tyne Valley- Dale Spence 1-506-651-9671
Matinee Racetrack Development Project- 902-887-2563 or 902-569-1682

Matinee Racetrack Awards Banquet 2022