As the harness racing schedule in Ontario continues to approach clarity, Clinton Raceway has carved the date for its opener in stone and welcomes one of the industry's most beloved and recognizable names for its first card of 2021.
Trot Insider has learned that Frank Salive will make some special guest appearances as the racecaller at Clinton again this season. While most frequently heard behind the mic at Fort Erie Racetrack, Salive welcomes the privilege to call the Standardbreds when he can. That opportunity presents itself in four weeks time on June 20 -- three weeks later than his first engagement was originally scheduled at Clinton on May 30.
"June 20 is a go for opening day and I have the privilege of working it," Salive told Trot Insider. "I'm also slated to work there July 4 and 11 for the Kin Pace programs, plus the annual drivers' charity challenge on closing day in September."
Salive was honoured to recently make a special surprise guest appearance on Passion Courses LIVE in order to say hello to an old friend separated by distance and the coronavirus pandemic — retired raceceller Jean Desautels.
"Jean is a true national treasure in my view," stated Salive. "With his splendid baritone voice he was a trailblazer with his bilingual call with phrases such as 'A TROIS CHEMINS — they're three wide! — and C'EST MAGNIFIQUE — magnificent, in reference to many great horses, drivers and trainers which competed during his long tenure in Montreal. Many other turns of phrase became his trademark, although it seemed to come naturally to him.
"It was at a big Sunday evening program at Windsor Raceway when I first heard Jean and I, along with the crowd that night, were completely impressed and enchanted by his performance embracing bilingualism, a great command of both of the nation's official languages, complemented by a deep knowledge and passion for the sport."
The excerpt of the show with Salive, Desautels and host Ghislain Paquet is available below.