Each summer my family and I head down to my wife’s family cottage on PEI, and inevitably we have a wonderful time. Part of our annual “Island Experience” includes a night at the horse races. The sulky races at Summerside Raceway, that is. Entry is free, the races are entertaining, and a twoonie is all you need to get started by placing a bet on your favorite horse (we often choose the horses to bet on just by their names………for we novices that is easier than trying to figure out how to read the race card!).
The crowd is friendly and fun, and at least in our experience, always seems to made up of a mixture of “regulars”, tourists, and Islanders who are home for a summer visit. We have been there on beautiful clear evenings, and in the rain. There is a sheltered grandstand to sit in if it is wet, but on most evenings it is a pleasure to be outside in the bleachers, or just standing along the track.
For photographers, there is lots of color and action. Fans can get right up to the rail, very close to the action. Be sure to take a lens cleaner should you get too close, especially in wet weather! I made this image in August, 2008.
If you are headed down to the the Island, give the Raceway a try. It may become a highlight of your vacation trip as well.
Tags: harness racing, horse racing, horse track, Murray McComb, Murray McComb Photography, Murray McComb Sports Photography, photography on PEI, Prince Edward Island, sports photography, sulky racing, Summerside, Summerside PEI, Summerside Prince Edward Island, Summerside raceway
