Christina Gillis of Brookville, Ont. is the photographer for the November image in Standardbred Canada’s 2022 Heart of Harness Racing Calendar.
She managed to capture the image while playing around with her new camera.
“I had just got a new camera and was playing around with it at the barn and happened to snap this photo,” she said.
Gillis is currently employed by Ontario Racing as the Standardbred Improvement Program Coordinator for the Ontario Sires Stakes program, and although she is currently on maternity leave, she is still an active owner of one racehorse and also co-owns a broodmare — in foal to Shadow Play — with her mother, Arleen Gillis. Along with her racehorse and broodmare, Gillis has a yearling who is learning the ropes and getting ready to race.
Standardbred Canada asked Gillis some “Rapid Fire” questions to gain a little bit more insight into her harness racing history and favourites. Here’s what she had to say:
How many years have you been involved in harness racing?
Since I was born; 34 years.
Are you a harness racing fan, owner, groom or trainer?
Always a fan, but also an owner and breeder.
What is your favourite racetrack?
Inverness Raceway!
Who is your favourite horse of all time?
Harry G.
What is your favourite subject to photograph aside from horses?
My newborn, Cami.
Where is your favourite spot to take photos?
The outdoors; natural light is the best.
Favourite harness driver?
Can’t pick just one. Related to one too many to name drop!
If you could take photos for one day anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Sable Island (off the coast of Nova Scotia, to photograph wild ponies).
One racetrack that you want to attend that you have never been to?
The Red Mile.
Favourite race?
The one where I win!
First place you are going to visit once travel restrictions are lifted?
When restrictions were lifted, I went home to Nova Scotia for my sister’s wedding.
Christina Pictured with Havarti as a weanling.
The calendar project is supported by many tracks and associations, and Standardbred Canada would like to thank this month's calendar sponsor, Grand River Raceway.