The weather was kind to Kawartha Downs on Saturday night (June 17) as despite a torrential downpour prior to the races and some rough weather afterwards, the skies cleared and the weather was warm for the 10-race card.
On track, Reg Gassien recorded back-to-back wins in the second and third races. His first trip to the winner’s circle was courtesy of Dana Salaam, who hit the wire in 1:55.4. The five-year-old daughter of Ameripan Gigolo recorded her fourth win of the season for trainer Brian Collins and owner Alvin Cormier of Oshawa, Ont.
Victorias Jet gave him the second tally as she tripped the timer in 1:58. It was the second straight win and third in six life starts for the three-year-old daughter of Big Jim trained by Dave Gibson for owner/breeder Val Spar Stables of West Hill, Ont.
Young driver Jim Gillespie also recorded a pair of victories, the first with Ken Kan Win in the fifth race and the second with Radar Trap in the eighth.
The fastest win of the night was the 1:55.1 effort turned in by The Love Bug, guided by Nick Boyd. Steve LeBlanc trains and co-owns the 10-year-old gelding by Artesian.
KD’s new General Manager, Orazio Valente, barbequed and gave out free hot dogs throughout the evening as he met with the many fans in attendance.
Lots of folks remained after the end of the Kawartha card to watch and wager on the $1 million Pepsi North America Cup from Mohawk Racetrack with one lucky fan who correctly predicted Fear The Dragon as the winner going home with NA Cup shirts and hats generously donated by Mohawk.
Kawartha Downs is back in action next Saturday night with a 7 p.m. first post.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Kawartha Downs.
(With files from Kawartha Downs)