Page 6 - June 2008 The Game

6 The Game, June 2008 CIustomerAppreciationBBQ-FortErieRaceTrack
Christine Hopman of Minor Bros.
Manufacturing was on hand at the Customer Appreciation Day, May 22nd, at Fort Erie Race Track, promoting the new line of Equine Signature horse feeds made by Minor Bros.
Many customers took their chance at spinning the wheel of savings to win a door prize or
great discounts off horse supple- ments and supplies. Feed suppliers and distributors were on hand to support the event as well, including Vern Avery of Brooks Feed, Jackie VandenBrink of Masterfeeds, and Dave Vivian of Shurgain.
Canada’s Thoroughbred Racing Newspaper
Record Breaking Opening Day
t was a mixture of rain and
By Allan Gray
rst race at a new track, the rst of the season, and the rst of the next fty years, it was kinda neat!”
clouds, but that didn’t stop the trainers, grooms, hot walkers, and horse owners from enjoying the free BBQ hosted by Minor Bros. Farm & Country at Fort Erie Race Track Thursday May 22. This was the 2nd annual BBQ held at the Race Track in appreciation of the loyal customers for the feed supplier ‘Minor Bros.’
A
ssiniboia Downs sprung open
By one o’clock, all the hamburgers were gone. ‘It’s a great way to give back to the customers and appreciate them. A burger and a hot cup of coffee go a long way on a cold day’, commented one
of the event organizers Kevin van der Wier. ‘Next year we’ll need
to have 200 hamburgers.’ he added, as plans for next years BBQ are already anticipated.
Apprentice jockey Janine Stian- son and trainer Jared Brown teamed up to win the rst four races. That’s right, the rst four. “I believe that is a record,” said Director of Operations Darren Dunn.
Jared and Janine paired up again
in the second with Valid Dream, a horse Jared bought for his folks while at Delta Downs for the winter. Then there was Gonestylin in the third and Punchmeoutabuck in the fourth.
Along with the BBQ, custom- ers were treated to the famous Minor Bros. baked cookies. Peter Martin, manager of the Fort Erie sales, enjoys the reputation of
The Don Gray Memorial,
the traditional rst race at the track, was won by Steve Holburn’s Cascadian Buck, a 4-year-old gelding by Cascadian out of La Femme Feline. Claimed from Jonathan Nance last year by his connections, Cascadian Buck has a running style that perfectly suits the standard ve furlong sprint used at the track for the rst couple of weeks.
providing food for the horse and the horse lover.
It was also overheard in the crowd from an elderly gentleman from England, “I’ve never seen that in my life.”
Gonestylin, a 5-year-old son of
Gone West, was bought by Brown
in the Barretts sale at the beginning
of 2007. “He was recovering from a small fracture in his left front, but he then fractured his pelvis right after
the sale and had to spend a year in the stall,” said Brown. Showing incredible patience, Brown kept the horse know- ing he wanted to give him a chance
to win at Assiniboia Downs.” That patience paid off for Brown.
the starting gate on Friday, May 2, for its 50th anniversary in grand fashion with a blast from the past and one for the record books.
Dick Armstrong, the jockey aboard the rst-ever winner of Assiniboia Downs fty years ago, Gold Ern, was on hand to start the rst race and greeted Stianson in the winners circle after her victory.
“Winning the rst was really exciting,” said Stianson, “It was my
Punchmeoutabuck, a horse Brown claimed for $5000 at Delta Downs, completed the historic grand slam
for Stianson and Brown. Track Announcer Darren Dunn exclaimed “Is this a broken record?” as they crossed the wire.
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Your Guide to Horse Farms & Properties For Sale
“Against the Wind” Equestrian Facility/Farm
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83+ acres centrally located in the Niagara Peninsula. Steel indoor arena (60’ x 170’) with adjacent 21 stall barn,
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3/4 mile track and 25 workable plus 20 treed acres. 5 bedroom, 2 bath, brick home with inground pool.
MLS 2092437 NEW PRICE $799,000
John Howard, Broker
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www.DunbyHorseFarm.com Breathtaking
84acresinMonoTownship$975,000
Picturesque setting on gently rolling terrain with stunning views of the Niagara Escarpment and Bruce Trail. This restored century home has separate self contained living quarters for guests or staff. Included: Well maintained original barn, 40 stalls in 2002 new barn, 5 paddocks, 2 round pens, separate drive shed, training track and a pond! 50 minutes to Woodbine Racetrack.
Daena Allen-Noxon, Broker Royal LePage
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TRhe Retired Mares Club
etired broodmares can now
spend the rest of their days in a peaceful, caring environment thanks to Laura McArthur of Silver Willow Farm in Mans eld, Ontario.
Laura is offering broodmare owners a special rate of $385/mth to care for their retirees after their foaling days have ended.
The mares will be cared for in a large 30 acre rolling paddock with plenty of pasture, running water, and shade and wind protection. “They will be free to stay outside for as long as the weather allows.” says Laura who has owned Silver Willow Farm for 12 years, “It would make me feel good to do something for these retired mares. As long as the expenses are paid, that’s all I care about.”
Laura McArthur has been working with horses all of her life and currently offers broodmare and foal care as well as a separate barn for racehorses in training.
For more information call 705-434-0800
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