Phil Giesbrecht, a third generation Standardbred horse racer from Manitoba is going for a spot in the Western Regional Driving Championship. Although Giesbrecht has come close to competing in this event before, luck has never been on his side.
“The one time I was able to qualify for the Western Regional Driving Championship in Manitoba, they gave it to another driver, so hopefully this time I’ll be able to come out and participate in it,” says Giesbrecht. He also fell into some bad luck in 2016 when he broke his leg right before he was to compete in the Western Regional Driving Championship. This year, Giesbrecht hopes for a different story.
Currently, it’s a tight race between the top six drivers vying for a spot in the Western Regional Driving Championship. Dave Kelly has 18 points, Phil Giesbrecht has 16 points, Jamie Gray has 15 points and Nathan Sobey and Kelly Hoerdt are tied with 13 points. With the qualifying cut off on June 10, these racers will have to give their all this weekend to win one of the four spots in the Western Regional Driving Championship.
Giesbrecht also highlighted the recent luck he’s had with the filly, BLUE STAR CASCADE. “She’s been racing really well in the last few days […] she’s been pacing 0.57 and it was just a matter of time before she exploded off a good trip.”
Giesbrecht is also getting married very soon on July 7 to Gerry and Monica Hudon’s daughter, Jocelyn. “It’s coming up faster than either of us expected, but it’s exciting and I’m very happy. It feels like I’ve been married into the family for a couple of years now so it’s not going to come as a big change to any of us.”
Century Downs Racetrack and Casino wishes Giesbrecht the best of luck with his various adventures this season!
COMING UP AT CENTURY DOWNS
The Century Downs Racetrack and Casino
Father’s Day Brunch and Putting Contest will be held on Sunday, June 17 from 12 to 3 p.m. Email [email protected] to reserve your table. After you’ve treated Dad to his
Father’s Day Brunch, sign him up for the Father’s Day Putting Contest. This contest is for Dad’s only. Register on June 17 at the table near the Winner’s Circle.
The MILLION DOLLAR EVENT is back! Join Alberta’s biggest slot tournament for your chance to win A MILLION DOLLARS in AGLC’s TournEvent of Champions! Tournament dates are every Monday from June 18 to July 23. Win your way through one of the three qualifying tournaments per day at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. To participate
in the qualifying tournaments, simply register at Customer Service one hour before the tournament timeslot of your choice on your chosen qualifying tournament day. Participants may register once per day only. All participants must be 18 years or older with valid Government ID.
See you soon at Century Downs!