Thirty-five years after it began, Gord Brown will officially conclude his driving career this coming Sunday (May 21) at Rideau Carleton Raceway.
After announcing his retirement in November, Brown will return for one night only in a special driving competition against his Hall of Fame brother Doug Brown. The Brown vs. Brown Driver Feature Night is an eight-race head-to-head driver challenge taking place during the Sunday evening program of harness racing. But make no mistake about it, this appearance Sunday is not an indication Brown is returning to driving.
"It’s an honour actually," Brown told Trot Insider on the special card being planned and having the chance to retire while driving against his brother. "It’s kind of bittersweet, but by no means does it mean I’m out of retirement because I’m not."
Over a career spanning four decades, Gord Brown captured more than 25 driving titles at three different racetracks. He won 100 or more races for 16 seasons, currently sitting with 4,232 victories along with purses exceeding $20 million.
Gord Brown (racehorsephoto.com)
Brown's memories of Rideau remain fond, both on and off the track.
"Well, the people there are just amazing. In my opinion, John MacMillan should be up for an O’Brien Award because he’s helped every single person there is down there. Any kid that’s ever got their license down there he’s helped.
"As for me, I think I won seven races down there one night and that was pretty special, and many Sires Stakes, and winning the dash title one time there too was pretty nice."
The feeling for Gord is mutual, as evidenced by the strong and positive comments from industry participants outlining overwhelming respect for the longtime horseman. Not long after his retirement announcement was made last year did a job offer come in: to join Kawartha Downs as an expert analyst.
"Heather [Mackay, Kawartha’s Director of Marketing] had dibs on me. As soon as I retired, she wanted first right of refusal," said Brown, who will be co-hosting Kawartha's pre-card show starting next Saturday (May 27).
"I’m kind of looking forward to it actually," Brown continued. "I’ve always said I wanted to do something to stay within the business. Basically that’s all I know. I’m looking forward to it and we’ll see how it goes. The track is actually not too far away, just around the corner."
But before he starts his new career, he'll head to Rideau Carleton for one last card as a competitor. The National Capital Region Harness Horse Association has announced its Brown vs. Brown Driver Feature Night, with Gord and brother Doug interacting with fans before the 10-race program. Gord tipped his hat to NCRHHA's MacMillan and President Gordon McDonald for planning this evening.
"They pretty much set this up by themselves and have done a great job."
The Brown brothers had better
The Brown brothers had better behave themselves here and not break any racing rules to try and win this because I just know that Stan will be the Presiding Judge and he'll be tough but fair!