by Greg Blanchard, media/communications, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Campbellville, ON — Mohawk Racetrack will host the finest older pacers on the continent this Saturday night (August 18) in the C$737,000 final of the Canadian Pacing Derby, the nation’s oldest harness race.

As part of the festivities that night, ‘miracle horse’ Joe Canadian will be on hand to meet and greet fans.

The gritty pacer has made a remarkable return to the races this season after suffering catastrophic injuries following a freak accident last summer at Hiawatha Horse Park in Sarnia. While warming up to race, the pacer spooked and veered into the track’s water truck.

The 7-year-old gelding was nursed back to health by caretaker Britt Kennedy and defied the odds by making it back to the races in April of this season.

He will be on hand just outside the main entrance on Saturday night and will also be honored during a winner’s circle ceremony that same evening.

In addition, the first 500 fans through the doors on Saturday will receive a free $5 wager and are invited to attend another of the ‘meet and greet seminars’ with special guest Randy Waples.

The colorful Waples captured the Canadian Pacing Derby 10 years ago in 1997 with Strong Clan. He will join hosts Greg Blanchard and Mike Hamilton beginning at 6:00 p.m. inside the grandstand.

Doors open on Saturday night at 5:30 p.m. and first race post time is at 7:20 p.m.

Here is the field for this year’s Canadian Pacing Derby in post position order:

1. Total Truth
2. Doonbeg
3. Lis Mara
4. Tigerama
5. Western Shore
6. Timesareachanging
7. Mister Big
8. Took Hanover
9. My Panmar
10. Boulder Creek
AE1. Holborn Hanover