Northville, MI — Northville Downs will be honoring the memory of Barb Kakaley on Friday (Nov. 10) with the Barb Kakaley Memorial Race. Barb, a longtime patron and avid harness racing fan, passed away in 2021.

Barb was born and raised in Michigan and worked for Ford Motors. Upon her retirement from Ford, Barb began working with horses. In 1972, her husband Joe purchased their first Standardbred, Song Of Roses, and eventually purchased a farm in 1979. Barb loved harness racing and had her own table at both Northville Downs and Pocono Downs and she would watch her son, John Kakaley, drive horses and eventually her grandson, Matt Kakaley, as well. She was her grandson’s number one fan and a very important part in his life.

Barb was very fierce in her devotion to watching her boys race and if anyone criticized their driving in front of her she would let them know about it. In fact, once at a fair the announcer mispronounced Kakaley and she quickly and loudly corrected him, making for a funny moment that day.

Northville Downs Operations Manager Mike Carlo added, “Barb was the one person at Northville that everyone knew. It didn’t matter how bad of a day someone was having because as soon as they saw Barb, their day immediately brightened up and all was well again. She was a mainstay here at Northville Downs and she will truly be missed by all which is why we felt compelled to hold a race in her honor.”

A winner’s circle blanket presentation to the winning horse and its connections will be held after the finish courtesy of the Kakaley family.

In addition, driver Matt Kakaley, a winner of over 6,300 races and over $105 million in purse earnings, will be at Northville Downs to drive on the program for the first time in his career to honor his grandmother and a large part of the Kakaley family will be in attendance.

Announcing duties will be shared between nightly Northville race announcer Ken Terpenning and backup announcer and resident handicapper Tony Mosesso. Terpenning will also conduct a winner’s circle interview with Matt Kakaley that evening.

Horsemen and women are advised to enter all horses for the weekend’s program by Monday (Nov. 6) no later than Noon. The draw for Friday’s program will take place Monday afternoon and for Saturday’s program on Tuesday afternoon.

Northville Downs races every Friday and Saturday night through Nov. 25 with a 7 p.m. first race post time each night. Friday night is dollar night featuring $1 live programs, pop and popcorn, $2 hot dogs and beer and hamburger and cheeseburger specials.

For live racing dining reservations, call Northville Downs in advance at 248.924.2073.