by Heather MacKay, for Kawartha Downs

Fraserville, ON — More than 2,000 fans flocked to Kawartha Downs to send the track’s 2014 season out on a high note on Saturday night (Oct. 25).

Reg Gassien, who has driven at the Fraserville oval from the time it started four decades ago, was honored by the track and the Lindsay and District Sports Hall of Fame, of which he is a member, in the 11th race. Fittingly, Gassien won the race with Always Ready, a 10-year-old Life Sign gelding who was home first in 1:57 despite a brief bobble at the start.

It was one of three wins on the card for Gassien who also scored with Saulsbrook Fork in 1:59.3 and Bringing Sexy Back in 1:59.1. Reg reached a career milestone of 4,500 victories earlier this year.

Also honored trackside following his victory in the second race with Wildcat Cam was Gord Brown, the track’s leading driver once again this season.

The fastest mile of the evening was recorded by Calgary Seelster who was home first in 1:52.2 for Tony Kerwood to win by more than 10 lengths in the Preferred Pace. The co-featured Preferred Trot went to Tough Mac and trainer/driver Rod Hughes in 1:59.

Local MPP and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Jeff Leal, sponsored a race and afterwards took a spin around the track on one of the horses provided by the very popular Hands On Horses program which gave many of the patrons a view of what it’s like to drive a harness horse.

This was the final card of the 2014 season for Kawartha which will return with live racing next year with dates to be announced by year’s end. The theme of the evening was ‘Appreciation Night’ an opportunity for the track to thank the great fans, horse people and staff who contributed to a wonderful season.