Track at Desert Park rebuilt, get ready for harness racing

Exciting news for harness racing fans: the Western Canada Horse Racing Association (WCHRA) has officially finalized an agreement with the Desert Park Exhibition Society (DPES) and the Town of Osoyoos to bring competitive harness racing to Osoyoos with the...

Exciting news for harness racing fans: the Western Canada Horse Racing Association (WCHRA) has officially finalized an agreement with the Desert Park Exhibition Society (DPES) and the Town of Osoyoos to bring competitive harness racing to Osoyoos with the launch of Desert Park Raceway. WCHRA has completely rebuilt the property’s 5/8ths-of-a-mile racetrack surface specifically for high-caliber harness racing. Built to maximize the stretch drive, the newly designed homestretch spans an impressive 810 feet in length.

5/8ths tracks typically feature a stretch run between 400 and 600 feet, making the Desert Park Raceway stretch one of the absolute longest of its kind in North America, which will produce some exciting racing for fans and horsemen. Pending final regulatory approval, the track plans to host 20 race cards in the fall of 2026, targeting a mid-September launch. Horsemen will have plenty of incentive to compete, as the upcoming race meet will offer some of the highest average daily purses in Western Canada.

"We are thrilled to bring harness racing to Osoyoos," said Kelly MacMillan, President of the WCHRA. "The South Okanagan climate is going to be absolutely ideal for horse racing in the fall. Because this association is run by horsemen for horsemen, we are deeply committed to safe, competitive racing that will put on a spectacular, customer-focused show for the fans while building a secure future for our sport.”

“We appreciate the incredible support from DPES and the Town of Osoyoos to make this dream a reality," MacMillan said. The racing operations will be fully managed by the WCHRA, a newly formed not-for-profit society created solely for this purpose. Driven by horsemen and fully supported by Harness Racing BC (HRBC), the WCHRA ensures a vibrant future for the standardbred industry in B.C.

This entire racing program is completely self-funded through horse racing operations within British Columbia. "We are absolutely excited to welcome WCHRA and become the new home of harness racing in British Columbia," said Rebekka Lim, President of the Desert Park Exhibition Society. "Desert Park has a rich history as an equestrian hub, and this racing program is a perfect addition to the horse-centric activities we host on the property all year round.

It’s a huge win for our facility and for horse lovers across the province." Today kicks off an exciting new chapter in the BC horse racing industry. Stay tuned for more updates from WCHRA in the coming weeks as things progress, including specific race dates and features.

There will be full stabling onsite and stall applications for the fall meet will be available starting July 10.