Northside Downs
This is where our journey begins. Get to know our business and what we do, and how we're committed to quality and great service. Join us as we grow and succeed together. We're glad you're here to be a part of our story.
History of Northside Downs
July 1st, 1898, would mark the grand opening of the North Sydney Trotting Park. It was a successful day standing the pacing record at 2:39 while the trotting record was 2:26 ¾. Following the races that day, some of the founding fathers gathered to begin planning another big event for that September.
In 1930, Northside Downs changed ownership came new developments such as fence, a grandstand and a new stable for the horses. Along with this expansion is the removal of a large hill located in the centerfield. Northside Downs was ready to move upward and onward in the harness racing industry. As racing begins to heat up at this time, pari-mutuel machines are brought in from Louisville, KY, introducing a $2.00 pre-printed ticket.
In the early 50’s the newly built Cape Breton Sports Centre in Sydney opened. The 2 tracks competed for business until Northside Downs could not keep up with the newer facility. With the occasional Matinee Race or special features being held at Northside Downs. Northside Downs became a full time training facility and Northside Horsemen was created for the horsemen to manage the facility.
Back to Northside Downs
After Tartan Downs in Sydney closed, the Cape Breton Federation of Agriculture applied for a track license in 2007 and was successfully granted the license by The Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission. Harness racing was again active in North Sydney.
In 2014, The Cape Breton Federation of Agriculture wanted out of the racing industry and handed over operation of the facility to the newly formed Harness Racing Cape Breton INC. Harness Racing Cape Breton INC is a board of directors that is voted in by the horsemen and as members retire or resign, members of the Cape Breton Horsemen Association get together to vote in a new member. With a rental agreement in place to lease the facility from the Cape Breton Federation of Agriculture the horsemen were now the operators of the track.
In 2021 the Cape Breton Federation of Agriculture put the property up for sale and it looked like harness racing was in trouble again in Cape Breton. Harness Racing Cape Breton put in an offer but it was rejected. A new group, the Cape Breton Exhibition Society put in an offer for the facility. The group had the property surveyed and divided so that Harness Racing Cape Breton INC could purchase Northside Downs portion. The sale was final in March 2023.
Addition to our Facility
Since the purchase there has been some improvements to the property. We were able to build and extension onto the grandstand completed in Spring 2024. This extension has 2 accessible bathrooms and lots of seating for customers. The spring of 2025 has the completion of a viewing deck with accessible ramp and better sightlines for watching the racing. We were also granted a $1000000.00 grant from the province for a new 52 horse stable to be built on the grounds. Expected completion is Fall 2025.
