Ernie Brown, who started thousands of races in Ontario during his long career, passed away on Friday, June 5 at the Oshawa General Hospital. He was 92.
Ernie was a longtime, well respected horseman who operated his own training track in addition to his other responsibilities. He began his career on what was known then as the Golden Horseshoe circuit (now called Woodbine Entertainment Group) in March of 1964. He was the paddock judge and starter at Canada’s best Standardbred tracks for 38 years.
Upon retirement he continued to start races at his local racetrack, Kawartha Downs, for several years where he also served as track superintendent. His nephew, Bob Woodward, currently drives the starting car at the Fraserville, Ont. racetrack. Another nephew, Ted Brock, operates Kawartha’s test barn and two others, Joe and Allen Wright, operate the tack shop on the grounds.
Ernie was predeceased by his wife Billie and is survived by son Jimmy and daughter Vicky.
Cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 10 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Northcutt Funeral Home in Bowmanville, Ont. Memorial donations may be made to the Oshawa-Clarington Community Living - Clarington Project.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Ernie Brown.
(Kawartha Downs)