Reg Gassien, a long time favourite driver at Kawartha Downs, recorded his 4,500th driving victory on Saturday night in the 10th race and was right back after the 11th to notch win 4,501.
Gassien’s first win came courtesy of P H Cakeboss, who was home first in 1:58.3. The win was the third in nine starts this year for the three-year-old son of Well Said owned by trainer Mike Brealey of Campbellville, Ont. and Grayland Farm of Pugwash, N.S.
Gassien returned to the winner’s circle following the next race thanks to Toughest Of All, who completed the mile in 1:54. John MacMillan trains the seven-year-old gelding by Camluck for Faith McMahon of Ottawa, Ont.
The final race on the card was the $10,000 Preferred Pace, which saw Tony Kerwood and Calgary Seelster go gate-to-wire in 1:53.1 to defeat Tendtown and Jolt Of Whiskey. The win was the sixth in 24 starts this year for the six-year-old Modern Art son, owned by Glenview Livestock of Guelph, Ont.
A great crowd was on hand once again at the Fraserville, Ont. oval with many families enjoying a myriad of activities for the young and young at heart.
“I enjoyed Family Night very much, I especially liked the bouncy castle and the face painting. I had a cat painted on my face. And I got to ride in the starting car with Steve [starter Steve Skene],” said Callie Williams of Oshawa, Ont., granddaughter of Gord Brown, the track’s leading driver.
Racing resumes at Kawartha Downs next Saturday night 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 Kawatha Downs)