This year, Truro Raceway marks its 145th season of racing. Established in 1875, Truro Raceway is one of the oldest racetracks in Canada.
Today, the half-mile track features live Harness Racing April through December and hosts Simulcast Racing (live streams and wagering on top tracks around North America) at two locations: Truro Raceway in Truro, NS and Brewsters Bar and Grill in Bedford, Nova Scotia.
Truro Raceway opened in 1865, making it arguably the oldest Canadian racetrack still in operation. Long owned and operated by the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Commission, it has been independent of the exhibition since 2018. The raceway was offered for sale in 1878, during a period of economic hardship for the province, just after hosting its first N.S. Provincial Exhibition (1876). Pari-mutuel wagering on harness racing was legalized in 1921, after which the Bible Hill oval enjoyed a renaissance.
In 1948, Jollity Horsemen’s Club, led by Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee Eric Whebby, took over management during a rough patch. In the late 1940s, Truro Raceway became the first Nova Scotian track providing night racing under lights, the use of a mobile starting gate, and win/place/show wagering. Its signature Atlantic Grand Circuit Week was established by past manager Brent MacGrath in 1982. The C.A. Douglas Grandstand was rebuilt following a 1981 fire, and is currently undergoing renovations in preparation for opening day 2021.