Friday (Nov. 21) fell in line with a pattern that is forming at Fraser Downs, rain and different stables winning.
A good cross section of medium priced mutuel prices were on the tote board as all 11 races were won by different trainers.
The Fraser Downs paddock was the place to be on Saturday, when 18 horses were offered for sale in the annual mixed horse sale. It is my belief that the standardbred industry has a very strong breeders program with stake races and various breeding incentives in place and I think that played out when six broodmares brought an average of over $5,800.
Gilles Gobeil and partner, Sandy, purchased four broodmares for close to $28,000 and certainly showed they believe in the breeding program. I talked to Sandy before the sale and if my math is right I believe they now have six broodmares, a weanling and more babies to come next spring. Another new name on the results sheet is Rolf Van Nuys who partnered with trainer Rod Therres on a reasonably priced horse to give the industry a try. Good luck to all purchasers!
The sun came out Sunday and that produced smiles on the horsemen’s faces even though the track was a little muddy.
Once again, of the 11 races there were 10 winners from different stables, with Rene Goulet snagging the only double. Two of the winners were trained by active, veteran trainers that are over the age of 80: Marcel Bouvier won with Secret Identity and Bill Young welcomed Lisvinnie to the winners circle for the horse’s third consecutive victory.
Racing resumes Friday (Nov. 28) at 7 p.m. and Sunday (Nov. 30) at 12:45 p.m.
– Jackson Wittup is executive director of Harness Racing B.C.