The story at Fraser Downs this past week was speed, speed and more speed. Of the 21 races that were contested on Thursday and Friday, 14 horses won races in the fastest times of their lives and three more equaled their fastest times.
The interesting fact for Thursday (Oct. 2) was that 10 different trainers sent horses to the winners circle with those quick times. Horses have shipped to Fraser Downs from Indiana, Minnesota, Manitoba, Ontario and Alberta which creates full fields, competitive races and long shot winners. The average $2 win price on Thursday night was $14.60.
Friday, Oct. 3 should be a night young driver Paul Davies will remember for a while. Paul snagged his 100th lifetime driving win when he won with Promise To Lynette for trainer Travis Tracey. Paul is a third generation horseman whose grandfather set the track record at the old Ladner track in the 1960s.
The family moved to Ontario years ago and Paul’s family did most of their racing there. Paul came west and spent a couple of cold winters in Alberta and then decided to give Fraser Downs a try this fall.
Alberta Trainer Rod Hennessy sent a few horses with Paul giving him a chance for the first time to train horses for different clients. Paul says he is really enjoying Fraser Downs and is pleased with the number of drives he is getting from other stables. Keep it going, Paul!
Racing resumes Thursday evening (Oct. 9) at 6 p.m. and then Friday (Oct. 10) at 7 p.m., when two, $50,000 Sales Stakes finals will go for three-year-olds.
– Jackson Wittup is Executive Director for Harness Racing B.C.
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