This Saturday night during Race 6, fans at Kawartha Downs will be treated to a horse race that is somewhat different than what they are accustomed to.

Instead of having a driver sitting in a race bike behind them, the trotters in the race will be ridden. There are six horses entered in the race and they will be guided by riders who have passed qualifying tests to be licensed as a RUS (Racing Under Saddle) competitor. The race – which is also known as a ‘Monte’ race – will be contested at approximately 8:40 p.m. One of the riders involved is Sarah Town, who wrote about how she got involved with Standardbreds and Racing Under Saddle in a Trot Blog for Standardbred Canada's website.

In addition to the RUS race and their riders, there will also be some miniature horses on display Saturday night, which is the first of three elevated purse nights scheduled for the 2015 meet. Saturday's card also marks the first of KD’s trackside dinners this race meet. Patrons can enjoy a ‘sloppy joe’ burger, macaroni salad, drink and dessert for just $10 on the grandstand level.

In honour of the Father’s Day weekend, KD’s regular trivia contests will feature a father (equine and human) theme. The popular second-chance draws will have dad-friendly prizes, as well. The kids’ activity centre on the second floor of the grandstand is open every race night this year and features fun, horse-related activities and some refreshments for the youngsters.

First-race post time for the card will be 7 p.m. Parking and admission are always free.

A free program page is available on KD’s website (kawarthadowns.com). Those unable to attend may also watch the races live on that site.

To view the harness racing entries for Saturday at KD, click the following link: Saturday Entries – Kawartha Downs.

(With files from Kawartha Downs)