Gord Brown and Dave Gibson ended Kawartha Downs’ 2016 racing season as the leading driver and trainer, respectively. The Fraserville, Ont. oval hosted its final card of the season in front of a packed house on Saturday evening (October 1) despite the rainy weather.
Both Brown and Gibson scored doubles on the card to clinch their titles. Brown clicked with JRs Big Buddy and he also won the final race of the 2016 season with LMC Marshmellow in 1:57.1. That gave him 33 wins on the season to Reg Gassien’s 30.
Gibson ended the season with 11 training victories to edge Murray Brethour by one win as Brethour also had a pair of scores on the night. Gibson's wins were with Vegas Rich (1:53.1) and Lock Reload (1:58.1) while Brethour guided his two victors, Scotties Spirit (2:02.2) and Seven Angels (1:59).
The rain was intermittent enough for fans to enjoy Hands On Horses, a program that gives them the opportunity to ride around the track behind a racehorse with a professional driver. Many giveaways were conducted throughout the evening with Kawartha’s great fans going home with KD t-shirts and hats as well as other wonderful prizes.
The theme of the evening was appreciation, for the track’s wonderful fans, horse people and staff, who all contributed to another excellent season of racing. The fans gave back as well as they filled numerous boxes with donations of non-perishable food items, which were donated to the Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre of Cobourg.
Kawartha Downs anticipates a similar season for 2017.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Kawartha Downs.
(With files from Kawartha Downs)