by John Siscos, WEG media

Toronto, ON — September 3 is already a prominent date on the 2011 harness racing calendar as two Canadian classics, the Canadian Pacing Derby and Metro Pace, are both set for that Saturday evening at Mohawk Racetrack.

The date has taken on a greater importance as a prominent owner tries to raise awareness for a critical matter halfway around the world.

Richard Young and the Woodbine Entertainment Group have collaborated and established an Invitational stakes race for September 3 in honor of the “A Spring of Hope” charity.

A Spring of Hope is a foundation created by Young’s daughter, Brittany, which builds wells for schools in impoverished areas in Africa.

Mr. Young approached WEG to inquire if he could help bring light to the charity and its endeavors by creating the Invitational, in which both he and WEG would co-sponsor and fund.

The C$100,000 race for pacing mares will have Scott McKelvie, WEG’s Standardbred Director of Racing, extend invitations to horses for the event with no nomination or starting fees. In lieu of those traditional payments, the owners in the race will be asked if each would be willing to donate a minimum of $1,000 toward the cause.

An on-track promotional giveaway item is also in the plans to raise more awareness.

Mr. Young, best known recently as co-owner of the outstanding filly pacer Put On A Show, an O’Brien Award finalist this weekend and Dan Patch Award winner in the U.S., believes if he marries one of his passions, harness racing, to a chance of bringing more attention to the terrible poverty in Africa, it’s the least he could do.

“I would like to thank WEG for their partnership in this cause,” said Mr. Young. “A Spring of Hope has recently constructed four wells in Ugandan schools suffering from a terrible outbreak of cholera, saving thousands of lives. We are grateful for this opportunity to bring awareness of the world water crisis. I am confident that owners will find it in their hearts to make a generous donation. I, myself, plan on giving 25 percent of any earnings Put On A Show may earn should she be invited to race.”

Mr. Young contacted Bruce Murray, WEG’s Vice-President of Standardbred Racing, with the idea.

“WEG is very pleased to be part of such a unique request from gracious individuals like Richard Young, his wife Joanne and daughter Brittany,” said Murray. “That such a race can help this worthy cause in a small way is the right thing to do. We also appreciate the Ontario Racing Commission’s support and quick response in ensuring the concept met with its approval.”

Invitees will include the finest pacing mares on the continent.

Fans seeking further details on the foundation can visit the charity’s website at www.aspringofhope.org for further information.