Horse lovers harness hope for Nite

Judging by the support from customers, fans and area businesses, the Harness the Hope event at Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino in Cloverdale is attaining must-attend status.

And that stems from a number of reasons.

Out of the gate first is the opportunity to support the annual Nite of Hope Richmond fundraiser for cancer – something Harness the Hope has done for the past six years.

And not far behind and gaining in popularity is the chance to see a unique harness race featuring some of the track’s backstretch workers in the Powder Puff event.

“It’s turned into quite the community event,” said Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino General Manager Ken Stratton. “The community support has really driven it, from the sponsorship of local businesses to those coming out to attend.

“Overall, it’s a been great opportunity for the community to give back something for a very good cause.”

Harness Racing B.C. has also taken a role in the event.

“They help organize the Powder Puff Race which everyone looks forward to,” Stratton said, adding the participants — the groomers and trainers from the track’s backstretch area — go out into the community to get pledges for the race.

“All of that pledge money goes back into the Harness the Hope and Nite of Hope. It’s a non-wagering race where the girls come out dressed in their colours and we make it quite an event,” Stratton said.

“They really look forward to it each year and are excited to take part and be in front of family, friends and fans. It’s quite a thrill for them,” he added.

This year’s winner, for the third year in a row, was Emily Leak, who took home something new this time around — a trophy for the event.

“With that, the event has become just that much bigger. Now there’s bragging rights to go along with it,” Stratton said.

Meanwhile, in the track’s Clubhouse the Nite of Hope was given more support from a blackjack tournament with prizes going to the top hands, and auctioned off items donated from the business community.

“We wanted to bring something here to the Cloverdale community and were embraced by everyone.

 “That’s why we became involved with the Nite of Hope. And it’s grown to become one of the best supported events we have,” Stratton said.