Dresden Raceway to commemorate its Black History this Sunday
Dresden Raceway is set to celebrate its Black Heritage Sunday with a special card of racing.
Track officials say Dresden Raceway is a unique racetrack that is located on the original 100-acre property known as the Dawn Settlement that was purchased by Josiah Henson in 1841.
“This is something that is very unique to Dresden Raceway when comparing us to other tracks in Canada,” says track announcer Gary Patterson.
Henson was inspiration for Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which had a strong effect on attitudes toward African Americans and slavery in the United States.
He also owned and bred racehorses throughout his life on the raceway property.
“We have generations of Black families who are such a big part of our history,” Patterson says.
He says several local Black families will be honoured Sunday for their contributions made to harness racing in Dresden and to the industry in Ontario.
Patterson says the raceway’s history includes the List, McCorkle, Grineage, Simmons, Davis, Prince and Tanner families, along with Duwayne Guest who will also be honoured.
“This is something that is going to be a lot of fun! I can’t wait to hear some of the stories, we already have several reservations,” says Patterson.
He tells CTV News that in Henson’s will, Henson left half of the proceeds from his prized Hamletonian Stallion to his son Peter.
Patterson says Hambletonian is highly regarded as the father of horse racing in North America, adding this draws to the conclusion that racehorses have been in the area of Dresden Raceway for over 160 years.
Post time will be 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 1. More than one thousand spectators are able to attend in person, under the current COVID-19 guidelines.
All fans who wish to attend the day are asked to register through the Dresden Raceway Facebook Page or email dresdenracewayreservations@gmail.com.
The season concludes the next day on the Civic Holiday on Monday, Aug. 2.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.