Standardbred racing is set to return to Cornerstone Raceway on the Yorkton Exhibition Grounds in May.

Recently the Yorkton Exhibition Association announced it has received the same $320,000 toward racing from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority as they received in 2011.

The grant will be used as per day purse money of $13,400, with 16-days of racing planned, explained YEA manager Shaun Morin.

“Qualifiers (races) will go Saturday, May 12 and opening day will be Saturday, May 19,” he said. “We then will return to our Friday evening schedule.”

Morin said things are shaping up for a competitive race season.

“There are lots of new horses which trainers and owners have acquired over the winter,” he said. “Looking at the stall applications we will have lots of horses and the quality is very good for 2012.”

Some special race initiatives should help boost interest for both horse owners and fans.

“The Yorkton Exhibition Association has implemented a stakes program this year with purses estimated to be in the $4000 - $5000 range,” said Morin.

And fans should see continued improvements to facilities too.

“We are in the final stages of approving a major grandstand overhaul with a budget of $400,000,” said Morin. “When final approval comes we hope for completion by the summer fair.”