For many people Sunday will be like a homecoming as Dresden Raceway hosts its first annual Black Heritage Day
The half mile track will be honouring eight families and Rev. Josiah Henson for their contributions to racing at Dresden Raceway and harness racing.
The track is located on the original 200 acre property that Henson bought in 1841 that eventually became the end of the underground railroad. Henson also was a horse breeder and in his will left “half the proceeds of my prized Hambletonian stallion John to my son Peter.” Hambletonian was the father of harness racing in North America meaning there has been race horses on that 200 acres plot since the 1850’s.
Fast forward to the 1960’s and 1970’s when names like Fred List, Lonnie McCorkle and Lyle Grineage were regulars at Dresden and other local tracks.
Dresden will be honouring the Davis, Tanner, Prince, Simons, List, Grineage, McCorkle, Duwayne and Josiah Henson family on the day.
Post times for today’s card is 1pm.
To attend in person you can register by messing the number of people in your party, names, phone numbers to the Dresden Raceway Facebook page or email [email protected].
