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Trotters ready to go at Earl Rowe Trot

Major race runs this Sunday at Georgian Downs
Harness Racing
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It’s a special race, in honour of a special man who loved horses.

William Earl Rowe was a longtime Progressive Conservative politician at the provincial and federal levels, but attracted much of his fame as a breeder, owner, trainer and driver of championship Standardbreds.

Rowe started driving harness horses in 1913, beginning a track career that lasted 57 years.

“At the age of 76,” according to spokesman Chad Gates, “he drove Demon Duchess to a fifth-place finish in the 1970 Futurity at Garden City Raceway.”

Gates is inviting racing fans to Georgian Downs on Sunday, Aug. 19, for the running of the Earl Rowe Trot, honouring the co-founder of Windsor Raceway (1966) and Barrie Raceway in 1971, along with son Bill Rowe.

Gates goes on to say that the Earl Rowe Trot is special as it is an invitational race.

“Our Alliance Racing Secretary, Ian Fleming, sets out to make this a very competitive race each year, extending invitations to those he feels will make the Earl Rowe a competitive event for the racing fans,” he said. 

Gates opines it’s still too early to zero in on any one favourite horse making its way to the track for the big night, but enthuses that “the Earl Rowe Trot will once again attract the attention of the top trotters as well as North Americas top quality drivers,” racing for a purse of $75,000.

Rowe was part of the political landscape in Ontario for 45 years, “he served as a Member of the Provincial Parliament, leader of the Provincial Conservative Party and a member of the House of Commons in Ottawa,” said Gates.

Gates adds the house at the Downs is usually nearly full for a race of this calibre. “Racing fans really seem to enjoy this event. This year, we will be coupling the Earl Rowe trot with family day. There will also be a number of Ontario Sires Stakes on our showcase evening of racing.”

Nor is all the excitement confined to the track. “We have many events and giveaways scheduled for this day. Race fans will receive an Ontario Racing ball cap with the purchase of our racing program while supplies last. Everyone can fill out a ballot to win many great prizes throughout the evening.”

There will be something of a carnival atmosphere, with “food specials at the concession stand and loads of fun for children with an inflatable play area and face painting.”

But, back to the track, “We will be having a mini-horse race also. This is always popular with race fans as they will have an opportunity for a meet and greet with the minis after they race.”

It’s been a year of change at Georgian Downs. The casino’s ownership transferred over to Gateway, with a resulting name change to Gateway Casino Innisfil. And, after years of turmoil involving harness racing at the Innisfil track and elsewhere in the province, it’s finally looking as though some stability is returning, with the summer season continuing on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday.

Folks hoping for a good seat and (in the case of adults), placing their bets on this and other races that Sunday should plan to leave home early.

“We are expecting a large crowd for this event,” says Gates “and it promises to be entertaining for all ages.”

Gates tells BarrieToday this is an important event aimed at anyone who just loves horses, young and old alike.

“(There’s) always free parking and admission at Georgian Downs. I think people will really find excitement and fun at our racetrack.”

Georgian Downs is located at 7485 5th Sideroad, Innisfil. To learn more, click here.


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Glenn Wilkins

About the Author: Glenn Wilkins

Glenn Wilkins, in a 30-year media career, has written for print and electronic media, as well as for TV and radio. Glenn has two books under his belt, profiling Canadian actors on Broadway and NHL coaches.
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