by Heather MacKay, for Kawartha Downs

Fraserville, ON — Kawartha Downs will celebrate its 42nd anniversary this Saturday (July 19) with a special 12 race card anchored by the Billyjojimbob Memorial Trot.

Local hopeful Mopey Corey has drawn post nine for trainer Tom Riley and owner Amanda Riley. Bob McClure will drive the 8-year-old gelding by Southwind Lustre who has won his last two starts at Georgian Downs.

Another local prospect comes from the Rod Hughes (of San Pail fame) stable. Hughes trains, owns and will drive Tough Mac. The 5-year-old gelding finished second in his most recent start at Mohawk, timed in 1:55.3.

The race is named in honor of the outstanding trotter Billyjojimbob who made his start at Kawartha Downs and went on to a spectacular career for trainer Mike Wade, owner Lori Ferguson and regular driver Murray Brethour. Elected to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1995, he remains the only Canadian-bred trotter to win the prestigious Elitlopp in Sweden.

In addition to the Memorial Trot, special events planned to celebrate Kawartha’s anniversary include free t-shirts to the first 500 guests with a coupon from the program starting at 6 p.m., birthday cupcakes, prize draws and a trackside picnic. Post time for Saturday’s card is 7 p.m.