Kawartha Downs' annual Family Fun Night was a resounding success on Saturday (July 2) while on track Reg Gassien put on a driving clinic winning five of the 10 races on the program.
Families flocked to the track to enjoy face painting, balloon animals, a bouncy castle and slides, games, the activity centre and lots of prize draws. Many of the youngsters were at the track for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed watching the horses, including the five winners for 'the Gass Man.'
Gassien, a member of the Lindsay Sports Hall of Fame thanks to his expertise in the sulky, started the night off right winning the first race with Rocknroll Velocity and the third with Flight Of An Angel.
The special Family Fun Night Pace was also captured by Gassien with Northern Cupid and he was back to the winner’s circle following the next race with P L Gemstone. Gassien, who has driven at Kawartha Downs for four decades, finished the night with a win in the final race with Early Hit.
Fans also enjoyed the race calls tonight from one of Canada’s most legendary race callers, Frank Salive, who will be back at Kawartha Downs’ microphone next week when racing returns on Saturday, July 9 with a 7 p.m. post time.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Kawartha Downs.
(With files from Kawartha Downs)
This is addressed to those
This is addressed to those that think grass roots racing is not required in Ontario. 2 great things happened last night at KD- There was a HUGE crowd- more than all weeknights at Mohawk. They put on a great program, new fans were there for the first time and it appeared all had fun. Secondly , on the horse side, several first time starters were there including 2 & 3 year olds.
We need more of this style of racing, not less, so future WEG horses and future fans can be developed.
Kudos to Jim, Heather and the KD team....and special mention to Frank Salive for taking the time to announce.