Red Shores: 2025 racing season launches with new betting features, lower takeouts

Red Shores Racetrack & Casino is thrilled to welcome fans and horseplayers back to the historic Charlottetown Driving Park on Saturday, May 3 at 6:00 PM AT / 5:00 PM ET while Red Shores Summerside Raceway kicks off on Monday May 19 at 1:00 PM AT / 12:00 PM ET.

The popular $2,000 guaranteed Isle Pick 5 wager returns to start each program and the track will now also offer a $1,000 guarantee on the Pick 4 on the final four races of every program. Both pools, along with the two Classic Hi5's offered on each card, carry 100% carryovers if there are no winning tickets - giving fans more reasons to stay in the action until the very last race.

In a continued effort to return more value to bettors, Red Shores is also reducing the takeout rate for some of the most popular pools. The Win pool takeout will be reduced by 1.3%, while the Exactor pool sees a 1% reduction. These changes are part of a broader strategy to deliver even more competitive wagering opportunities for players. The track already offers an industry-favorable 15% takeout on the Pick 4, Pick 5, and Classic Hi5 wagers.

“We’re excited to get the 2025 season underway,” said David MacKenzie, General Manager. “The previously announced purse increases by the PEI Harness Racing Industry Association have further strengthened interest from horse people this year, and we’re proud to continue evolving the product for fans and bettors alike.”

The excitement doesn’t stop at the wagering windows. Lee Drake, Manager of Racing & Broadcast reports that the off season included several new investments and marketing initiatives for customers. “We have expanded our track promotions for fans, we will unveil a brand-new graphics package for the broadcast, and a new paddock camera has been installed to give fans an up-close look at the horses and connections before each race. Even the starting gate truck has a new look!” Every live racing program will be available in high definition at your favourite betting shop, internet wagering platform, and streamed everywhere on YouTube live.

Summerside Raceway will open its season with a special afternoon program on the Canadian holiday of Monday May 19 starting at 1 pm AT / 12 pm ET. Racing will move to the popular Tuesday evening programs starting in June.

Major stakes highlights of the 2025 season include:

- Cecil Ladner Memorial (Charlottetown) – Saturday, June 7

- Governor’s Plate Night (Summerside) – Saturday, July 19

- Wilbur & Pauline MacDonald Memorial (Charlottetown) – Saturday, August 2

- Gold Cup & Saucer Trials (Charlottetown) – Saturday, August 9

- Gold Cup & Saucer Consolation (Charlottetown) – Friday, August 15

- Gold Cup & Saucer Final (Charlottetown) – Saturday, August 16

Also returning is the popular All-Star Handicapping Challenge in July, and the Gold Cup and Saucer VIP Package Draw.

For full racing schedules, wagering info, and more, visit RedShores.ca.

-edited release (Red Shores)