History – Atlantic Sires Stakes

Canada’s first sires stakes program

The Atlantic Sires Stakes program is steeped in history and has the distinction of being the first sires stakes program in Canada. The program has shown tremendous growth since its inception and now includes some of the best young racing talent in the Maritimes, offering significant purses throughout the season.

The Atlantic Sires Stakes program is sponsored by the Atlantic Standardbred Breeders Association (ASBA). In the years prior to the Atlantic Sires Stakes program, the majority of horses racing in the Maritimes were from the United States, but now the majority of horses racing in the Maritimes are a product of the Maritimes.

In the early 1960’s, a group of horsemen and track operators, spearheaded by the late Glen Kennedy of Prince Edward Island, saw the need for a program to enhance the Standardbred breeding industry in the Maritimes. A sires stakes program had been developed in New York State and the group felt a similar program would prove beneficial to this region.

History was made in February 1966 when the Maritime Provinces Colt Stakes Association Ltd. was formed with the sole purpose of setting up and promoting a series of stake events for Maritime-bred colts and fillies. The association drew its officers, directors and members from the ranks of those keenly interested in harness racing and the future development of the Maritime breeding industry.

In 1967 the first Atlantic Sires Stakes events were staged and purse monies for the year were worth an estimated $10,000—Canada’s first sires stakes program had begun!

Over half a century of quick Atlantic-sired standardbreds

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Along the way the organization’s name was changed to the Atlantic Standardbred Breeders Association, but the early beginnings of the program have never been forgotten and each year the ASBA awards the Glen Kennedy Memorial award to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the industry. The award is named in memory of Glen Kennedy, in recognition of his leadership in the formation of the Atlantic Sires Stakes program.

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The success of the Atlantic Sires Stakes program has soared beyond expectations with approximately one million dollars being paid out in purses each year. This region now has Maritime-bred colts and fillies racing at speeds that were unheard of a few short years ago. In addition, products of the breeding program are now being exported and are in demand. The program envisioned back in the early 1960’s by a group of forward-thinking individuals has resulted in success both within the breeding industry and on the race track.

Breeding excellence

The Atlantic Sires Stakes program is sponsored by the Atlantic Standardbred Breeders Association (ASBA), which has been promoting the breeding of Standardbred horses in the Atlantic Provinces for over 50 years while providing incentives for people to buy and race horses in this region.