Woodbine Racetrack 2008 Harness Racing Stakes schedule

TORONTO, January 22 - Woodbine Entertainment Racetrack in Canada today announced its lucrative 2008 Standardbred stakes schedule, which includes the 25th renewal of the $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup at Mohawk.

The stakes calendar, worth more than $20 million in stakes finals this year, is the richest on the continent.

The Pepsi North America Cup, WEG's signature harness race, will be held for just the second time at Mohawk on Saturday, June 14. The card will offer more than $3 million in stakes action. Also featured are the $720,000 Fan Hanover Stakes, the $532,000 Elegantimage Stakes and the $335,000 Goodtimes Stakes.

WEG has two other seven-figure events slated for 2008. The $1 million Metro Pace is set for Saturday, August 30 and the $1 million Canadian Trotting Classic on Saturday, September 13. Both races are at Mohawk.

The organization is also proud to host $1.5 million Breeders Crown for older trotters and pacers as part of the Metro Pace card, which includes the $780,000 Shes A Great Lady Pace.

"Once again we're pleased to offer what we believe is the finest stakes program in harness racing," said Bruce Murray, WEG's Vice-President of Standardbred Racing. "We sincerely appreciate the support that owners and trainers have shown in supporting these terrific events."

In addition to the 'Big Three' stakes, Mohawk will play host to several other major events including the $750,000 Canadian Pacing Derby (Saturday, August 16) and the $700,000 Maple Leaf Trot (Saturday, September 20).

The $535,000 William Wellwood Memorial and the $575,000 Peaceful Way Stakes, formerly known as the Oakville, re-named in honour of the great champion, will take place on Sunday, September 14 at Mohawk.

Both the $2.5 million Fall Four card (Saturday, October 25) and the $2.4 million OSS Super Finals (Saturday, November 15), will once again be contested at Woodbine.

Click here to view the entire 2008 stakes schedule .