Kawartha Downs' annual Memorial program was held on Saturday, September 9, and all nine of tonight’s races honoured someone who made an impact at Kawartha Downs before their passing.
Celebrated were Roger Hie, Tom Millson, Charles Ibey, Ivan Johnson, Brenna Leigh Seeley, Ruby Brown, Nellie & Leona Wright, Wayne Dowson and Doreen & Eric Brock.
Tonight’s card was Kawartha Downs’ annual Memorial program and all nine of tonight’s races honoured someone who made an impact at Kawartha Downs before their passing. Celebrated were Roger Hie, Tom Millson, Charles Ibey, Ivan Johnson, Brenna Leigh Seeley, Ruby Brown, Nellie & Leona Wright, Wayne Dowson and Doreen & Eric Brock.
The Honourable Jeff Leal, the Minister of Agriculture and Dan Gall, President and CEO of Standardbred Canada, were both in attendance this evening.
On an emotional evening at Kawartha Downs, Nick Boyd’s mood following the sixth race was ecstatic as he recorded a milestone in his driving career, win number 100.
“To most, it’s a very insignificant feat, but for a kid who grew up in a family with just a hobby racing stable, it’s a nice milestone to reach,” said Nick after he guided Kiss Me Or Not to the victory in the sixth race on tonight’s card.
Nick also made sure to thank Gord Brown, the leading driver at Kawartha for many years who is now retired and is now the track’s race analyst. “Gord gave me my first drive in a qualifier here back when he and [his wife] Joy had a small stable,” said Nick, an ambassador for racing at Kawartha Downs, giving the fans an opportunity to connect with his winning horses every time he returns to the winner’s circle following a victory. For the past few weeks he’s been wearing a Go Pro on his chest to show fans how racing looks from his perspective.
Next week is dark at Kawartha Downs on Saturday, but racing returns for the final two cards of the 2017 season on September 23, featuring Racing Under Saddle, and September 30 with our Shorelines Drivers’ Championship and Appreciation Night.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Kawartha Downs.
(Kawartha Downs)