by Heather MacKay, for Kawartha Downs

Fraserville, ON — At the start of 2014 it appeared that horse racing would no longer take place at Kawartha Downs in Fraserville, Ontario, which had hosted harness races for more than 40 years. However, due to some last minute negotiations between area MPP Jeff Leal (who also serves as the Minister of Rural Affairs), track owner Harvey Ambrose and the Ontario Racing Commission, an 18-day season (every Saturday night from mid June to October) was announced in late May.

That season has turned out to be one of the most successful in the track’s history and will end tomorrow, October 25, with several special events planned including 12 races with elevated purses, chances to drive a Standardbred on the racetrack, a multitude of prizes, free programs, loot bags for those in Halloween costumes, balloon animals for the kids and more.

“We are thrilled at the way this season has turned out and want to use our final night of racing as a way to express our gratitude to our loyal and new fans, our staff and our horse people. We didn’t have much time to pull this season together and a lot of people stepped up to make it happen and make it so successful,” noted Heather MacKay Roberts who was hired as Marketing Director for the track just prior to the start of the season along with Ian Fleming who served as race secretary and oversaw the racing operations.

“We have a lot of extras planned for this Saturday’s card to help send the season out on a high note,” added MacKay. Racing gets underway at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Plans are already in progress for next year’s season with dates to be announced once approved.