Driver Nick Boyd and trainer Amanda Riley received the awards for leading the standings in their respective categories for the second straight year as the Kawartha Downs season concluded on Saturday, Oct. 3.

Boyd tallied in the 10th race to close out the meet and finish with 33 victories, capturing his fourth title at the Fraserville, Ont. track. He struck at a rate of 24.3 per cent and dominated the money leaderboard with $151,177 banked by his drives at Kawartha this term. The reinsman is 46-for-283 across all tracks in 2026. Ryan Guy and Dale Spence tied for second in the Kawartha standings with 15 wins each.

With a win from her two starters on Saturday, Riley concluded the meet on 22 wins and a strike rate of 41.5 per cent. The fourth-year trainer also led her peers in earnings with $87,612. She has compiled an overall seasonal card of 31 wins from 141 starts. Murray Brethour, with a closing-day double, was the only other trainer to crack double digits with 11 wins. Darcy Clancy and John MacMillan tied for third with six.

Kawartha Downs wrapped up its 2026 racing season with a record wagering handle of $1,437,000 over the meet, celebrating the achievement alongside fans and horsepeople at its closing-night Customer and Caretaker Appreciation Night.

Despite holding two fewer race dates than last season, the track surpassed its previous record of $1,174,000, increasing total wagering by 22 per cent. Reported average handle per race also climbed 30 per cent, while an estimated 45,000 people attended throughout the season.

Behind those results was a shared commitment to making Kawartha Downs a welcoming destination for families, friends and racing fans.

“We faced our challenges head-on this season, and we could not be prouder of what our team has accomplished,” said Lindsay Bax, Manager, Racing & Wagering. “From the race office to backstretch operations, sponsors, and the grandstand teams, everyone played an instrumental part in creating the engaging experience our fans have come to expect week in and week out.”

That teamwork extended throughout the backstretch as Kawartha Downs welcomed horsepeople from Rideau Carleton Raceway following its closure, and many from west of Toronto. With entries increasing 48 per cent and starters increasing 20 per cent this season, staff and participants worked together to accommodate the additional demand while maintaining the track’s community spirit.

“We have a saying in the Kawartha backstretch, ‘If you have a hand, lend a hand,’” said Bax. “We see that spirit every week with our horsepeople helping one another. What makes me even prouder is seeing not only the local horsepeople, but our new faces in the backstretch seamlessly embracing that culture, inviting kids and fans they meet along the rail into their winner’s circle photos, or simply allowing fans to share in their moment as they walk along the rail. We are proud to bring that connection to life for our community every race night. It’s what makes racing at Kawartha Downs such a special experience for everyone.”

Closing night also recognized the caretakers — as part of Standardbred Canada's National Caretaker Appreciation Day initiative — whose daily dedication supports the horses and makes each race night possible, along with the fans whose enthusiasm brings the grandstand to life.

The season’s community contributions included more than $6,500 raised for the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society (OSAS), as well as various other local charities throughout the season. 

Kawartha Downs thanks its fans, horse people, staff and supporters for their energy and commitment throughout another memorable season.

One final celebration will take place at the Horsepersons’ Banquet on Friday, Oct. 30, with dinner and awards beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20. To purchase tickets, contact Lindsay Bax at [email protected] or 647-505-3304.

To view Saturday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Kawartha Downs.

(Standardbred Canada & Kawartha Downs; photo of Tom Riley, accepting for wife Amanda, and Nick Boyd)