Everyone throughout harness racing has been mourning the loss of longtime Meadowlands lead TV personality, morning-line odds maker and program analyst Dave Brower, who passed away on Oct. 7 at the age of 53.

On Saturday (Nov. 12), those who knew Brower well, or were just among the many who thought highly of his talent, can come out and say goodbye at Brower’s Celebration of Life, which will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Big M winner’s circle. For those who cannot attend, they can watch live on rtn.tv (Racetrack Television Network).

“We continue to mourn the loss of Dave Brower,” said Jason Settlemoir, Meadowlands’ Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. “But on Saturday night, we can put our sadness aside, for at least a little while, and pay tribute to Dave with his family and friends coming to the track and swapping happy memories and stories about someone who not only meant an awful lot to us at The Meadowlands, but to the entire industry as well.”

Social media has blown up for five weeks with tributes to Brower. Three TV personalities who worked a lot with Brower had heartfelt sentiments about their fallen friend.

Dave Little, co-host on Racing from The Meadowlands: “As good as Brower was, he always made it his business to tell everybody else how good they were. That was the essence of Dave Brower. Whatever the pursuit, he was the best guy in the room, but he was always busy telling everyone else how good they were.”

Gabe Prewitt, co-host on the Red Mile simulcast: “We are devastated by the passing of our co-worker and dear friend Dave Brower. The worst day imaginable. He will be greatly missed and forever in our thoughts.”

Gary Seibel, co-host on many national Hambletonian broadcasts: “I know I join thousands in and out of the horse racing world who are in complete shock and totally devastated by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Dave Brower. You will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace.”

Two-year-olds will be in the spotlight on Saturday’s card, with four Kindergarten Series finals. Those dashes, with purses totalling just over $1 million, are:

• $279,290 Filly Trot: Mambacita will try to avenge her defeat at the hands of Bond in last week’s final preliminary.
• $268,180 Colt and Gelding Trot: Volume Eight looks to up his win streak to four for trainer Noel Daley. Last week, the son of Chapter Seven broke early, gave up a ton of ground heading to the quarter before rebounding with a remarkable score.
• $233,970 Colt and Gelding Pace: Loubet impressed in last week’s fourth leg, scoring for fun in just his third lifetime outing.
• $238,810 Filly Pace: Bellisima Hanover is the one to beat while Cultured looks for a minor upset off a fourth-leg win.

Also on Saturday, visitors can experience the ultimate Elton and Elvis Tribute Show. Ralph Carey performs the songs of Elvis Presley while Russ Davis does Elton John. Each performer will do one set solo and the duo will come back and play a set together. All the music will be backed by a live band. Visit the Meadowlands website for tickets. If you opt for dinner and the show, the buffet starts at 5:30 p.m. and the music begins at 8 p.m. The music ends at approximately 10 p.m. Dinner and show take place in Trackside, which is on the ground floor of the track.

(With files from Meadowlands)