Fraserville, ON — On an emotional evening at Kawartha Downs, Nick Boyd’s mood following the sixth race was ecstatic as he recorded a milestone in his harness racing driving career, win number 100.
“To most it’s a very insignificant feat, but for a kid who grew up in a family with just a hobby racing stable, it’s a nice milestone to reach,” said Nick after he guided Kiss Me Or Not to the victory in the sixth race on Saturday night's (Sept. 9) card.
Nick also made sure to thank Gord Brown, the leading driver at Kawartha for many years who is now retired and the track’s race analyst.
“Gord gave me my first drive in a qualifier here back when he and (wife) Joy had a small stable,” remembered Nick who is always a great ambassador for racing at KD, giving the fans an opportunity to connect with his winning horses every time he returns to the winner’s circle following a victory. For the past few weeks he’s been wearing a Go Pro on his chest to show fans how racing looks from his perspective.
Saturday night’s card was Kawartha Downs’ annual Memorial program and all nine of the races honored someone who made an impact at KD before their passing. Celebrated were Roger Hie, Tom Millson, Charles Ibey, Ivan Johnson, Brenna Leigh Seeley, Ruby Brown, Nellie and Leona Wright, Wayne Dowson and Doreen and Eric Brock.
The Honorable Jeff Leal, the Minister of Agriculture and Dan Gall, President and CEO of Standardbred Canada, were both in attendance where on track both Reg Gassien and Rick Webb enjoyed driving triples.
Next week is dark at Kawartha Downs on Saturday, but racing returns for the final two cards of the 2017 season on Sept. 23, featuring Racing Under Saddle, and Sept. 30 with our Shorelines Drivers’ Championship and Appreciation Night.
Kawartha Downs