More than 80 friends and family members of the late Greg Roy were on hand at Kawartha Downs on Saturday evening (June 11) to celebrate the life of the longtime race fan who passed away last Christmas.
The fourth race on the program was named in honour of Roy and was won by Team Leader, a four-year-old daughter of Sportsmaster who was recording her first career win from a dozen tries. Nick Boyd was in the bike for the 1:59 effort for trainer Mike Weller and owner/breeder Lynn Wilfong.
Saturday’s celebration of Roy’s life was organized by his longtime friend John Slattery.
“He always came to the track to celebrate his birthday, which was around this time,” said Slattery, who was friends with Roy for more than 35 years.
A retired fireman, Slattery is a hero at Kawartha Downs as he was instrumental in helping to save the life of one of the track's drivers who had suffered a heart attack as the horses crossed the finish line a few years ago.
In other racing action, Ontario Sires Stakes graduate Her Name Is Lola made her first start at her home track of Kawartha Downs in four years on Saturday's card and was victorious in 2:01. Doug Hie drove the six-year-old Majestic Son mare, a career winner of $175,310, for trainer Russell Bax and Baxmar Holsteins Ltd.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Kawartha Downs.
(With files from Kawartha Downs)