Milton Downey was a pioneer. He owned, trained and drove in the Maritimes for many years. He also is remembered fondly for his breeding of young horses in New Brunswick.
On Saturday, Oct. 23, Horse Racing New Brunswick will pay tribute to the legendary horseman and businessman at Exhibition Park Raceway. Post time is at 1 p.m.
As a breeder of young horses, the aptly named Milton Downey Memorial Stakes will feature two-year-old colt and filly pacers in two divisions with a purse of $9,000 each.
The colt division showcases two freshman who have both surpassed the $40,000 mark in season earnings. Fern Hill General from the Earl Smith stable and driver Brodie MacPhee has the inside post advantage in race seven of the day. The 'General,' an early season sensation, will square off with the his rival, Stash It Away from the Kevin MacLean stable and driver Corey MacPherson. Both colts have been outstanding in their freshman campaigns.
In the filly division, Girl In A Tavern will look to catch the eyes of bettors this weekend in Saint John and starts from the inside post for the Jason Hughes stable. Ultimate Long Shot, red hot of late, will leave right beside her rival from post two for David Dowling from the Earl Watts stable.
In the Autumn Gold Series finals, the top tier divisions reunite the "Big Three" pacers at Exhibition Park Raceway this season, who will square off for a $4,000 purse.
Woodmere Ideal Art, who has been dominant in his Exhibition Park Raceway starts, will have post five for catch-driver David Dowling and the Ultimate Stables of Greater Lakeburn, N.B.
Blood Money, who also comes off a win last week, will leave from post four for the cagey veteran Mike Downey, driving for son Mitch and trainer Ellen Stevenson.
Little Manny, rounding out the big three from 2021, will score from post three for driver Stephen Trites, who co-owns with Brad & Dean McLaughlin and Mark Taylor.
K D Overdrive gets post one for Kyle Mason for owner Steve Mason and Instant Shadow has post two for Ultimate Stables and catch-driver Mark Haig.
Horse Racing New Brunswick would like extend its gratitude to all horsemen and women who have supported the 2021 racing season in Saint John. The organization is looking to come back even stronger in 2022.
To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Exhibition Park Raceway.
(With files from HRNB)