The North Sydney oval has been active as a training track over the non-racing months, holding special distinction as the place where Canada’s top racehorse of 2020, O’Brien Somebeachsomewhere Horse of the Year Century Farroh, was developed by local horseman Dave Ratchford. Watch for future stars, and the return of 2020 Cape Breton Island Horse Owners’ Association Horse of the Year Runaway Mystery, this season.
Northside Downs is celebrating its 123rd anniversary in 2021. The track debuted as North Sydney Trotting Park when it first opened in July 1898. Former owner Charlie Ballard, who operated the venue between 1930-1950, passed it on to local farmers with the understanding that it would continue to host live harness racing.
Northside’s annual J.A. Ferguson Memorial Pace is named in honour of Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame inductee James Archibald Ferguson, who led the formation of the Cape Breton Turf Club in the late 1940s.
Thirty Northside Downs race dates have been approved for 2021, beginning Saturday, May 15 and running most holiday and Saturday afternoons through November 20.