by Melissa Keith

Truro Raceway marked the end of its 2024 meet on Sunday (Nov. 3). In its second year with Steve Fitzsimmons as general manager, the Bible Hill, NS racetrack recorded its second-highest handle of the last 25 years: $572,729 for 194 live races, averaging $2,952.21 per race.

“We have had our best two wagering seasons back-to-back in the past 25 years in 2023 and 2024,” Fitzsimmons told HRU on Friday (Nov. 8).

“We were down slightly over last year’s numbers, but up more than 100 per cent over two years ago and before that. We overhauled our broadcast, made our wagering menu far more competitive and have put a strong focus on event marketing for the majority of our race cards, and the public has responded to it.”

Fans and bettors turned out for Distance Day, witnessing one North American and two Canadian records rewritten on July 12. Top Of Her Trade (Todd Trites) lowered the North American standard for a quarter-mile sprint on a half-mile track to :26.1, while Fifth Estate (Ernie Laffin) established a new Canadian three-quarter mile record of 1:24.4 for pacers on a half.

Truro Raceway celebrated Harness the Hope Day with the Achieve Financial Atlantic Women’s Driver’s Challenge. Local driver Clare MacDonald, North America’s winningest active reinswoman, edged out Ontario Women’s Driving champion Natasha Day by two points in the well-attended July 21 tournament.

Fitzsimmons called the Sept. 15 Remembering Sackville Downs Day the undisputed highlight of the season. He said the tribute to the beloved suburban Halifax, NS track drew Truro Raceway’s largest on-track crowd in 25 years.

“We were pleased that so many fans and horsepeople traveled to be part of the event and see people they haven’t seen in a long time,” he said. “It was a day that had a little something for everyone. We had a wonderful committee help plan that event out and it showed.”

The grandstand received positive reviews after extensive renovations were completed this year.

“We now have our simulcasting lounge open in the grandstand five days a week, Thursday to Monday, and it will be open all year long,” said Fitzsimmons. “The Rustic Table Restaurant has been an incredible addition and it will continue to be open Thursday through Sunday throughout the fall and winter.”

There is still work ahead to improve the sustainability of Truro Raceway, which first opened in 1865.

“We scheduled 20 2024 race cards, because that is all our financial resources and support we receive from the province of Nova Scotia could sustain,” said Fitzsimmons. “We’ve been having some high-level conversations about the need for more support of our industry, which offers strong return on investment in spin-offs.”

He said the Diamond Classic slot race for 2-year-old pacers did not draw sufficient entries this year, but will return in 2025.

Fitzsimmons concluded that there is cause for optimism at Truro Raceway, despite a few naysayers.

“I believe there is even more upside on the wagering side that we’ll see in the coming years,” he said.