PEI

Gold Cup and Saucer race rained out, rescheduled for Sunday

Heavy rains on Prince Edward Island forced organizers to postpone the Maritimes' largest harness race of the year.

The race was cancelled due to heavy rains and unsafe conditions

Organizers were forced to cancel the Gold Cup and Saucer Race Saturday after heavy rains flooded the track. (CBC)

Heavy rains on Prince Edward Island forced organizers to postpone the Maritimes' largest harness race of the year.

The track at the 56th Sobey's Gold Cup and Saucer race was flooded during Saturday night's storm, which also knocked out power on some parts of the island.

The race was cancelled just minutes before it was scheduled to start.

Crews at Red Shores in Charlottetown have been working all night to repair the racetrack.

Lee Drake says last night, the catch basins couldn't keep up with the heavy downpour.

"We were actually trying to run this scheduled event further ahead than usual, but it's a big event, there's 13 races, trying to get everything in place, broadcast signals and everything on time," he said.

"It's very unfortunate that it hit when it did, but it was very, very severe."

The race is considered the most prestigious harness race in Eastern Canada. Each year it caps off Old Home Week, a province-wide national event.

The race was rescheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday as a standalone event.