Drivers Doug Brown and Gord Brown are not just well known names throughout the harness racing industry, they are participants that have earned the respect of their peers after decades of excellence.
In advance of the Brown vs. Brown Driver Feature Night this Sunday at Rideau Carleton Raceway, a number of industry participants have offered feedback and thoughts on the two drivers set to square off.
On Doug Brown:
"He was my go-to guy for a lot of years. Having 'Brownie' was better than being given a head start. The fans always used to say, 'When you’re down, bet Brown!'" - Bill Budd
"During my career as a trainer I was fortunate to have many of racing’s top drivers drive my horses. Doug is easily one of the most talented to ever sit behind a horse. He was not only a great driver but he also revolutionized driving styles. His accomplishments on the track have never been equaled. Who else do you know that has seven O’Brien Awards for driver of the year? A deserving member of the Hall Of Fame we thank you for the driving memories." - Gerry Dinelle
"Doug was the top driver at Woodbine and Mohawk for what seemed like forever. One of the game’s first 'power' drivers, he could really get a horse to make speed." - Steve Doyle
"One of Canada’s best of all time. He helped make the careers of many of us trainers. Growing up in Port Perry, I got to watch his father Stan and his brother Gord as well. Great harness horse family. From our family here in Rockwood, thank you to all the Browns." - Rob and Yolanda Fellows
"I had the pleasure of working for and driving against Mr. Brown, and he is a real gentleman and a true horseman." - Bernard Lavigne
"Doug was instrumental in launching my driving career. I worked for him as a second trainer and he opened doors for me by getting me noticed by top trainers. I look up to him and still consider him a good friend today." - Paul MacDonell
"With seven O’Brien Awards and over 8,000 wins, Doug’s credentials speak for themselves. He has always been a fierce competitor on the track and a true professional off the track." - Roger Mayotte
"Downtown Doug Brown is a driving legend!" - Seth Mcleod
"Doug was the most dominant reinsman for decades. He was the guy a lot of young drivers idolized and emulated. He is the consummate professional both on and off the track." - Ken Middleton
"A good friend who was the best in Canada for years. I had the privilege of driving against him and was lucky enough to have him drive horses I owned. Best of all I could beat him at golf!" - Steve Skene
"My greatest memories were the driving lessons Doug taught me during my years racing at the OJC. 'The Captain' introduced the quarter-pole move and changed the game forever. He is one of the greatest drivers we will ever see and one of the finest people we will ever know." - Tim Twaddle
"Doug has won more O’Brien Awards than any other driver in Canada. As a valley boy, it’s an honour to have him in the capital of Canada!" - Rick Zeron
On Gord Brown:
"I had the great pleasure of becoming a friend of Gord’s . From a professional standpoint to golfing or a concert here and there to many great talks about horse racing and sports in general. Gord is the consummate ambassador to the sport and a great family man. It was a pleasure to call his races for 15 years. Hopefully he continues to be a driving force and an innovator in the industry even if it’s not in the sulky." - "Kris Allen
"Gord is one of the classiest individuals I know. His driving skills are second to none. It’s an honour to call him a friend." - Norm Borg
"When Gord first started driving he told everyone he was a natural so we called him 'Naitch.' He was a fiery and aggressive youngster and it was the beginning of a great career that started in Greenwood back in 1982." - Hec Clouthier
"Gord was a great driver. When Mark Winacott was on fire he would move them at the sixteenth pole and draw off by eight!" - Randy Copley
"Gord is the ultimate professional and a great friend in this business. He could adapt to any situation on the track and drive any type of horse you had in your barn. He will be greatly missed on the track however I know he will still have an impact on the industry going forward in some capacity." - Blake Curran
"Gord has driven horses for my family for many years. He has been a big part of my life from the time I was old enough to go to the track. He has been my primary mentor and a great inspiration on my road to becoming a driver. Even though he jokes and dishes out sarcastic remarks he is a great guy and someone I respect as a driver and a friend. I only hope I can chalk up as many wins and drive as many horses as he has. Thanks Gord and I wish you all the best in your retirement." - Ryan Guy
"When we handed over the reins of our horses to Gord, we knew they were in safe hands and would be driven to get the best possible result without ever abusing the horse." - Steve Leblanc
"Gord is a well prepared and professional as any driver I know. He was always very kind to a horse and he made speed with his hands not the whip. His quick wit was always entertaining." - John MacMillan
"I drove for Gord when he first went out on his own in the early 1980s. We had instant success winning with eight of the first 11 horses we raced. When Gord eventually switched to driving, he proved that he was just as successful driving as he was training. If given the opportunity, I think he could have competed at the top level of the sport. Wishing him all the best in his retirement from driving!" - Roger Mayotte
"Gord as a driver was dependable, reliable, consistant, and knowledgeable as he drove to win. Good with young and old horses, he always seemed to find his spot and give a horse a chance to win. Gord spent hours on the highway driving from track to track and from his home in Coburg. He was very professional both on and off the track. An avid golfer with a big drive made him tough to play." - Glenn Pearson
"A good friend. We had some great battles for most wins at Quinte for years. Gord was a dominant force at Quinte, Rideau, and Kawartha for years. Sadly, I can’t beat him at golf." - Steve Skene
"Gord was very safe, smart, and capable on the racetrack. That made him very easy to drive with. Congratulations on your retirement." - Richard Simard
"Gord did a great job all the years he drove for me. I was very lucky to have him as my go to guy. He always put my horse in a position to win. He never hurt them and I always had a horse for next week. I owe him for all the success I had. It was a great run." - Mark Winacott
Gord, 55, and Doug, 60, will sign autographed personalized hats and will be available for photo opportunities with racing fans before the 10-race program begins at Rideau on Sunday, May 21.