from Kawartha Downs
Fraserville, ON — Not only did Kawartha Downs celebrate its 45th anniversary of live horse racing Saturday evening (July 15), one of our valued customers was marking her 100th birthday at the track.
Photo courtesy of Kawartha Downs
C. C. Heenan (centrewhite slacks) is joined by her many family members in the winner’s circlefollowing the race named in her honor.
The track’s second race was called the Happy 100 Years C. C. Heenan in honour of C.C.’s milestone. She was joined in the track’s clubhouse dining room by many family members to mark the joyous occasion including her daughter Debbie Bird, who with her husband Barry has bred several successful Standardbreds including $3.8 million winner Boulder Creek.
C.C. was also trackside with her crew to congratulate the winner in her race, Zebs Abbey. Driven by Jim Gillespie, Zebs Abbey is a 3-year-old daughter of Windsong Espoir who was notching her first lifetime win. Murray Brethour trains for owners Krista Thomas and Larry Zebedee.
A great crowd enjoyed the wonderful weather and bet more than C$42,000 on track. In addition to the anniversary celebrations Kawartha was one of many Canadian tracks to host Bring A Friend this weekend and had many newcomers to the track.
Track record holder Mr Tasty, along with his owner and former trainer Amy Turcotte, was in attendance as our special meet and greet horse as it was exactly a decade ago the now retired racehorse trotted the fastest mile ever at Kawartha, 1:54.
Racing returns next Saturday night, post time is 7 p.m.