This year, the weekly harness races at Kawartha Downs return to their traditional Saturday evening time slot, with a post time of 6pm. As always, admission and parking for these events is free. The seasonincludes18 race dates, wrapping up on September 20th.
Horse racing is an exciting sport, dynamic business and a major contributor to the agricultural economy in Ontario. Kawartha Downs features harness or Standardbred racing where the horses are attached to a race bike (called a sulky) and are steered by drivers through a one mile race. Horses travel a track that is five-eighths of a mile long, which means the races start at the far side of the track to ensure it finished in front of the fans at the grandstand. Horses in these events have two distinct gaits. Pacers move with both legs on the same side operating together, and they wear equipment called hopples which help them maintain their gait. Trotters race with their opposite legs working together. In other words, the front right and left read come forward at the same time, and vice versa.
There is indoor grandstand seating as well as outdoor picnic tables for fans. Visitors looking to partake of the buffet in the Grandstand Dining room are encouraged to secure reservations for their meal. Other dining opens include the bar and the concession. Come for an evening of free, action-filled live entertainment.
Kawartha Downs offers a variety of other entertainment opportunities throughout the season, including a popular Weiner dog racing event in July. For more information, visitwww.kawarthadowns.com.