Kawartha Downs race fans will hear a voice behind the announcer’s microphone this Saturday night that they haven’t heard for a while, that of Greg Blanchard, who is filling in for regular announcer Evan Loucks.
A native of PEI, Blanchard is one of the province’s most respected horse racing administrators, whose talents also include race announcing, on-air hosting and interviewing. Blanchard is currently the racing manager at The Raceway at Western Fair District and is a sought-after broadcaster at many racetracks during their special race days.
“Greg does the colour commentary at many tracks’ signature events, such as the Confederation Cup and Battle of Waterloo, so it seems fitting to have him at Kawartha on our signature race night, the Goodtimes Invitational,” noted Kawartha’s Marketing Director Heather MacKay.
“This is also the inaugural Titans of Trotting event where we honour three incredible trotters, Goodtimes, Billyjojimbob and San Pail who all started their careers here at Kawartha Downs and ended up in the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame. In addition, we’re hosting the OLG's Thrill of Winning Race so Greg will be busy.”
In addition to calling the races, Blanchard will also be the special guest host for ‘Tonight At KD,’ the track’s pre-race show alongside retired driver Gord Brown, who is the track’s expert race analyst.
“This is the first time I’ve called at Kawartha in a few years,” said Blanchard. “I remember the large crowds and great atmosphere, and from what I hear it’s getting even better, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
“The area is known as cottage country, but safe to say it is also horse country. It is amazing to think of the world-class horses who have been produced in this area and it’s fantastic that we’ll be able to pay tribute to them on Saturday night.”
Post time on Saturday night at Kawartha is 7 p.m.
To view the harness racing entries for Saturday at Kawartha, click the following link: Saturday Entries – Kawartha Downs.
(Kawartha Downs)