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A custom fit

Every race horse's foot is different, says owner, trainer and driver Allan Molloy of Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino in Cloverdale.
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Standardbred owner

‘Every horse has different aspects to her foot. It’s just like people,’ says Standardbred owner, trainer, driver and journeyman farrier Allan Molloy, 32, who outfitted his filly, Official Connection, with a pair of new steel shoes during a demonstration at Saturday’s Harness Racing B.C. open house.

"You can read about it, you can talk about it, but doing it is a different story," he said of horseshoeing. He began learning the farrier trade as a boy in Australia, and it gives him the ability to fine-tune his horses' footwear, depending on their individual racing needs and gait on the track.

He's been based out of Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino in Cloverdale for eight years. During his horseshoeing demonstration Sept. 13, Molloy replaced the aluminum front two shoes of Official Connection, who's had just two starts this season, with stainless steel, a weightier shoe.

She seemed utterly content, despite the crowd of spectators. At one point she yawned theatrically.

Harness Racing B.C.'s fifth annual open house drew crowds of visitors to the barns that are home to 400 or more race horses. Guests were given a behind-the-scenes look at the sport. Along with the shoeing demo, there were the ever-popular cart rides, harness demos, barn tours, a barbecue and even some kids' activities.

For more, visit http://harnessbc.ca/ and www.fraserdowns.com.