Cloverdale Reporter, September 16, 2015

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A new race season dawns Open house kicks off live racing at rebranding casino

JENNIFER LANG PHOTO

Carla Robin, executive director of Harness Racing B.C., and driver/trainerGord Abbott pose with De Deuce, one of the equine stars of Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino. Robin says when racing is in full swing, the economic benefits are felt on 176 Street in Cloverdale and across B.C.

By Jennifer Lang Get an insider’s view of standardbred horse racing this Saturday (Sept. 19), when the Backstretch at Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino hosts its annual kickoff to the fall racing season. With an $11 million overhaul and rebranding of the former Cloverdale Raceway as ‘Elements Casino’ set to launch this winter, those on the racing side of the equation are eager to showcase their sport to fans and newcomers alike. Visitors of all ages can watch horse-shoeing demonstrations, take guided barn tours, or ride alongside a professional driver in a jog cart pulled by one of this year’s equine stars. Backstretch Day is a chance to learn more about an exciting sport – and a proud industry that supports hundreds of direct and spin-off jobs in Surrey and

across B.C., says Carla Robin, a veteran horsewoman who took the reins as executive director of Harness Racing B.C. in March. “I think the horse racing in Cloverdale is the best kept secret in Surrey,” says Robin, adding, “More people need to come out to Fraser Downs at

‘I think horse racing in Cloverdale is the best kept secret in Surrey.’ - Carla Robin, Harness Racing B.C.

Elements Casino.” The parking lot is full on race nights, but Robin is surprised by how many people don’t realize there is live horse racing or that horses live in the barns year-round. “They say, oh my God, there’s horses in Cloverdale?”

Or, they wonder, is that place still running? “They know there’s a casino, but they don’t know there’s a racetrack within it,” adds Sandra Roberts, an owner and trainer who lives in Cloverdale, where she’s a tireless advocate for an industry that’s also a way of life for successive generations of local families. Both women say there’s a lot riding on the new season, getting underway Oct. 1 after a five-month hiatus. Horse racing in the province is subject to the B.C. Horse Racing Industry Management Committee, made up of stakeholders from each sector – the Public Gaming and Enforcement Branch and B.C. Lottery Corp., the horse racing associations and the operator, Great Canadian Gaming. In February of 2014, a deal See RACING SEASON / Page 3

Reward offered for missing kiddie fire truck By Jennifer Lang Have you seen little red Fire Engine No. 9? A Cloverdale grandma is reaching out to Reporter readers, hoping to locate a vintage children’s toy she says was stolen from her driveway last week. Martha Vriezen speculates that the tot-sized pedal car might turn up at a local flea market or antique store. She is desperate to have the beloved family heirloom returned, no questions asked. The

family is offering a $100 reward. The 40-to 50-year-old truck would be hard to miss: Engine No. 9 has a shiny red and yellow paint job that’s like brand new, a blinking emergency light and little silver fire bell, and two ladders (which are still in her garage, fortunately). It’s tiny enough for a toddler to get behind the wheel and power by foot. One morning last week, the sun was shining, so Vriezen took her grandkids Brielle, 3, and Emmie, 18 months, outside to play.

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“It was a beautiful day,” she said, explaining she didn’t think there would be a problem since her home is located on a cul-de-sac. It was the first time she’d let them play with the fire engine – an eye-catching item that has been pressed into service as a prop for charming baby portraits – but figured there was no harm in doing so. The trio went indoors at about 12:30 p.m. so Emmie could take her nap, leaving six toys in the yard.

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