Interview with Standardbred Driver Jamie Gray
Jamie Gray of Sturgeon Country is set to drive in the Alberta Sire Stakes Super Finals on November 17 at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino. Earlier this year in September, Gray represented Western Canada for the first time at the World Driving Championships where he competed in Standardbred Canada’s National Driving Championship at Grand River Raceway. While Gray wished he would have finished in a better spot, he spoke to the incredible experiences he had in representing Western Canada. “I would have liked to do better, but the guys were all great they put on a really good show; it was second to none! I just needed a little more power on the racetrack.”
Gray did however have a great weekend on November 3 and 4 at Century Downs Racetrack. On Saturday, he drove for a 1:58 victory in the $45,700 Alberta Sires Stakes Final for the three-year-old filly pacers. Gray angled the Blue Burner filly off the rail approaching the three-quarter pole and ranged to within two lengths of the top through a 1:26.2 third quarter. Born A Dragon remained on the point as Bearcat Josi drove wide of her around the final turn to take the win.
Gray came back on Sunday with the three-year-old colts racing Exit Smiling. Exit Smiling had previously missed out on two of Alberta’s biggest harness races of the summer, the Ralph Klein Memorial and the Western Canada Pacing Derby due to a tendon injury. However on November 4, Exit Smiling let Its A Great White and Peace Out Posse duel through a blazing half in :58.2 before, midway down the backstretch, rolling past the leaders and stretching the lead to nine lengths finishing at 1:55.2.
In addition to Gray’s busy autumn racing season, he has also spearheaded some philanthropic initiatives. Gray will be donating a portion of his driver’s cheque to the Veterans Association Food Bank and an owner, Fred Gillis, will be matching Gray’s donation. He is also participating in the Movember Alberta Horseman Campaign and has been a proponent for the movement sporting a well-trimmed ‘stash and speaking out for men’s health and mental wellbeing.
Jamie Gray, Bearcat Josi, and Exit Smiling are set to race again on Saturday, November 17 at the Alberta Sire Stakes Super Finals. Both Bearcat Josi and Exit Smiling be racing for purses of $75,000. The Alberta Sire Stakes Super Finals will feature a total eight stake races where horses will be racing for $360,000 in purses. Post time is at 12:45.
For more details on Jamie Gray, head over to Century Downs’ YouTube channel or Facebook page @centurydowns for the full video on this story. Also check out our upcoming events!
COMING UP AT CENTURY DOWNS
For more details on Jamie Gray, head over to Century Downs’ YouTube channel or Facebook page @centurydowns for the full video on this story. Also check out our upcoming events! Win up to 1,000,000 Winners’ Zone points with our Winners’ Zone Bonanza. Hot seat draws every Wednesday in November.
Beat the chill with a brand new Ford Focus! Join us on Thursday, November 29 to win. Additional draw for $1,000 at 6 p.m. will roll over into the final cash draw for $1,000 at 7 p.m. Must be present to win. For the final draw at 8 p.m., if there is no winner, another winner will be drawn until one is found. For another chance to win, stick around for out Big Ticket giveaway at 9 p.m., where we will be giving away a pair of tickets to see the Calgary Flames take on the Philadelphia Flyers on December 12, 2018.
Book your Christmas party at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino and enjoy one of our event spaces overlooking the racetrack. Email [email protected] for more information!