by John Siscos, media relations, Woodbine Entertainment Group

Toronto, ON — Woodbine Entertainment Group today announced its plans to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Canada’s richest harness race, the Pepsi North America Cup.

The C$1.5 million pacing event, scheduled for Saturday, June 14, at Mohawk, will feature the continent’s finest 3-year-old pacers. A special 7:10 p.m. first race post time has been installed for the night.

Live music will greet fans in anticipation of Mohawk’s signature card.

The first 3,000 customers at the track will receive a commemorative 25th anniversary Pepsi North America Cup baseball hat.

A trackside “fan” zone, an open-air venue which will offer expanded food and beverage options, live entertainment and wagering outlets, will also be built.

Fans can also participate in a driver autograph session and a handicapping seminar featuring Jody Jamieson, plus get the chance to meet Charlie Leerhsen, who authored Crazy Good: The True Story of Dan Patch, the Most Famous Horse in America.

“Fans will really enjoy their time celebrating the Pepsi North America Cup at Mohawk with us this year,” said Paul Lawson, WEG’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “The expanded amenities will appeal to both regular customers and first-timers. We’re ready to show harness racing entertainment at its best.”

The co-featured races on the Pepsi North America Cup card are also exceptional. The Fan Hanover, the continent’s richest race for 3-year-old filly pacers, has been added to the program. The Goodtimes Stakes for 3-year-old colt trotters and the Elegantimage Stakes for 3-year-old filly trotters will also be raced during the night.

The popular mystery voucher promotion will return. A total of C$10,000 is up for grabs.

The Mohawk Express will not return in 2008. For those that can’t make it to Mohawk, the race will be televised nationally on The Score from 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The 115-day Mohawk meet kicks off this Thursday, May 1. The five-night a week (Thursday-Monday) schedule continues until Monday, October 6.