Horse racing returns to Desert Park on Saturday for the first of two race days. This is the third year for the races since they were brought back in 2013. The event starts at 1 p.m.. (Richard McGuire file photo)
Horse racing returns to the Desert Park racetrack facility in Osoyoos for the third year in a row this coming Saturday.
There will be five races – one with quarter horses and four with thoroughbreds, said Pete Hormes, race director for the Desert Park Exhibition Society.
The event starts at 1 p.m.
Hormes said he expects the races to be full, although available horses can change at the last minute.
The larger purse this year, at $22,000, will definitely provide greater incentive to owners to run their horses, he said.
This year parking at the event is free, while admission is $5. People who buy a $20 membership in the Desert Park Exhibition Society will get into both race days this year for free, said society president Mike Valliere.
“So if you come to both race days, that pays for half your membership,” he said.
Planning for the races was going smoothly, Valliere said in an interview last week, though he acknowledged that there are still “a few little hurdles” mainly involving getting the grounds cleaned up and doing last-minute organization.
“Most people don’t realize how much stuff there is to get done for one horse race, from making sure we’ve got horses to getting them on the track in time and making sure the track is in good form and making sure that we’ve got everything for the public,” said Valliere.
For the first time in more than 15 years, spectators will be able to sit in a newly renovated grandstand. Among other changes, organizers hope to be able to take advantage of new liquor laws allowing open beer gardens.
Unlike last year, there will be no harness racing this year.
Betting machines are in place and training is going on this week, said Valliere.
Valliere and Hormes both say that more volunteers are needed. This includes people willing to help weed the grounds this week and to direct parking and handle the gates on race day.
Those willing to volunteer can call 250-495-8181.
“We’re looking forward to it,” said Valliere. “It’s going to be exciting and even if you don’t want to bet, the horses are exciting.”
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
