According to Kawartha Downs Race Secretary Sheri Minler-Grabatin, local horsepeople stepped up to ensure that the Peterborough-area track had a solid amount of starters to kick off the track’s 2019 meet of live harness racing this past Saturday (May 11).

"[We were] up 18 horses for opening day over last year (89 compared to 71), which is great," Minler-Grabatin told The Peterborough Examiner. "The horsemen really stepped up and came out anxious to help and support Kawartha."

Kawartha was able to offer its customers a 10-dash program of racing, which saw $33,672 pushed through the wagering windows. The raceway, which is located away from the GTA, was able to produce the handle even though its many summer customers have not come to cottage country just yet, and the weather was abysmal.

The Examiner story states that Kawartha currently has a two-year arrangement with Ontario Racing, and also has a two-year deal with Ontario Lottery and Gaming when it comes to the 150 slot machines which are currently housed on the premises.

Laurie Scott, the MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock and Minister of Labour, attended the meet-opening card and has stated her optimism for the future of the five-eighths-mile raceway.

"I'm very optimistic that we can work on things on a longer term," The Examiner has quoted Scott as saying. "There is a great crowd and as we've said all along it's supported by so many local people who love Kawartha Downs. They love the atmosphere and to bring their kids to make it a family night."

Faithful Kawartha patrons pictured lining the rail on Saturday, May 11, 2019.

Scott explained that Kawartha Downs General Manager Orazio Valente and his team “are working for the track to have a clearer path in the future,” and that "We're all working together for the same goal."

According to the article, the track is expected to come out of receivership ‘soon.’ It is expected that the track will be acquired by Romspen Investment Corp. after receivership. Romspen Investment Corp. is the lender that was owed more than $90 million by the track's former owner, ‘Skip’ Ambrose.

The track is now scheduled to host programs of live racing every Saturday evening throughout the summer. The meet is scheduled to have its last live card of 2019 head to post on September 28.

To read the article in its entirety, click here.

(With files from The Peterborough Examiner)