Kawartha Downs will pay tribute to longtime horseman Thomas Gratton, who was the blacksmith for the opening night of harness racing at the track in July 1972, and his wife Ann on Saturday, September 17 with a race named in their honour

. Thomas passed away earlier this year on April 12 at the age of 80.

Following the Tom & Ann Gratton Pace to Remember a blanket presentation will be made by Dr. Jenny Ingram and her team from the Memory Clinic in Peterborough, Ont., where Thomas was her patient.

"We are very excited to be able to have this race for them," said daughter Sharon Harvey.

The Alzheimer's Society will be on hand for the evening accepting donations and providing information to patrons.

The entry box for next Saturday closes on Tuesday, September 13 at 10 a.m.

To view Saturday's condition sheet, click here.