While the stands will be empty, and the gates closed to the public, one thing will remain certain: One of the best voices in harness racing will once again be in the announcer's booth.
Not only will Peterborough native and longtime Standardbred and Thoroughbred announcer Frank Salive be calling the races, he’ll be offering race fans analysis between races.
“Clinton Raceway is always a privilege to visit and work, as, in my view, it is the quintessential example of how the roots of the sport are supposed to be preserved,” Salive has explained. “It's integration into the fabric of the community and region are, I would imagine, just like a Norman Rockwell painting of how small town summer harness racing would have been.”
“It’s important, during this very different situation, that we keep our race fans engaged and informed,” Jessica Carnochan, the marketing manager for the Huron County oval, has stated. “Who better to do that, then one of the most accomplished announcers in the history of the sport?”
“My own personal experience at Clinton Raceway dates back three decades. I had the privilege of working as the Toronto circuit announcer and had a front row seat to the rise of the Clinton-based trotting mare Lifetime Dream all the way to her conquest of the 1993 Breeders Crown," Salive stated. "In my own collection of almost 160,000 career races, Lifetime Dream would go down in history as among the top two most emotional wins I have had the privilege to narrate. The other race in this vein for myself was the 2003 North America Cup upset by Yankee Cruiser after the untimely death of Brian Pinske.”
“This season will be an adjustment for everyone involved, including our fans,” Carnochan stated. “We’re going to be taking some of our traditional 'Super Sunday Show' games and entertainment and translating them to a digital version. While it’s not ideal, we hope it will fill some of the void.”
As the 2020 live racing season commences at Clinton Raceway on Sunday, June 14, all of those involved hope it is a 'one off' situation whereby they cannot host their passionate, knowledgeable, and wonderful fans. In the meantime, they will do their best to bring you as close as the TV and internet images allow to the unique excitement that Clinton Raceway provides, as the great performances, equine and human, are certain to continue.
There will still be plenty of opportunities to still enjoy a 'virtual' Sunday at the track.
Every Sunday, race fans can watch a live stream of the racing action via Clinton Raceway's Facebook page as well as on its website. Fans can catch the race analysis between races on the live feed, and will also be able to partake in some promotions, including 'Survivor Sundays,' which is a virtual handicapping contest.
Wagering on Clinton Raceway will be available through HPIbet.com as well as other online wagering services. Those new to HPIbet are encouraged to sign up prior to Sunday. Should anyone need any assistance with registration or adding funds, they can contact Jessica Carnochan via email at [email protected].
For more details please visit Clinton Raceway's website.
The season at Clinton Raceway will run Sundays through September 6.
First-race post time each week will be at 1:30 p.m. (EDT).
(With files from Clinton Raceway)
Not one of the best, "THE
Not one of the best, "THE BEST" announcer in the business (sorry Ken Middleton, I like you too).
But over the years, at least my years, Frank has been classy, and concise with every race call.
Enjoy Clinton, my friend...