News

My Time

Jul 17,2018 Lauren Zandee

As a second-generation Standardbred horsewoman, Marjorie Dumont had no trouble acing her Standardbred Canada Driver’s assessment this past month to officially become a licensed driver. During this process, Dumont has completed a rated mile before the judges as well as 10 qualifying races to complete the necessary steps to become a driver.

In Quebec, where Dumont grew up, her parents started in the horse racing industry mainly for fun, but as a little girl, Dumont always knew her passion was in the horse racing business. After Dumont graduated from high school, she wanted to travel and learn English. Her knowledge of the horse racing industry led to her B.C., Florida and even New York to work with many famous trainers including Mark Ford and Eddie Lohmeyer. While the majority of this work was in a training capacity, Dumont also competed in numerous Powder Puff Derby’s against other women.

“The first one I [competed in] I actually won, so it must have been beginner’s luck, but it was a lot of fun,” said Dumont. These competitions also sparked Dumont’s interest in getting her license; however, up until now, she has never been able to dedicate the time to achieving her license because she was starting a family, with her partner and fellow driver, JF Gagne.

“I have always wanted to [get my license] and have been in this business forever, but it was never a necessity and the timing had to be right. When you’ve been pregnant and starting a family for the past six years, you can’t put your family or yourself at risk. Now that we are past that stage in our lives, my partner JF suggested I get my license because he always knew I had a passion for it. So, we’ll see how I do and go from there. I just want my horses to be safe and I’ve been working with this group of mares for a while now, so I feel we have a good connection, but again it’s a completely different ball game when you are competing for money,” said Dumont.

Last weekend, Dumont competed in her first Open Fillies and Mares with WATCH MY LUCK and even competed against her partner. WATCH MY LUCK finished with a 1:57.3 record that race and Dumont hopes to continue making progress with this mare.

Century Downs wishes Dumont all the best in her next race!

 

COMING UP AT CENTURY DOWNS

Bring your family out for a day of fun on Sunday, July 22 from 12:30 to 5 p.m. to celebrate Century Downs Family and Meridian Farms KidSport day! Pony rides, face painters and balloon artists are just a few activities that will keep everyone busy! Enjoy a mascot race between races, and a candy scramble!

Join us for the 2018 Calgary Racing Festival from Saturday, July 28 to Monday, August 6! Celebrate the horse racing industry with various events such as:

 #YYCRACINGFEST Money Madness draws every night from July 28-August 6 for $500 at 7 and 8 p.m. If a winner is not found, the amount will roll over to the next day!

Packwood Grand on July 28 where you can experience the luxury of old-world leisure and horse racing. Get your tickets now at packwoodgrand.com!

Century Downs’ Charity Golf Tournament benefitting Two Wheel View at Woodside Golf Course in Airdrie on August 2. Register now by emailing info@centurydowns.com or by calling 587-349-7771.

Our 3rd annual Libations Fest on August 4 where you can enjoy free samples of over 30 local craft beers and international wines and ciders.

Industry Day on August 5 where you can learn about the different aspects of horse racing from the experts. Sign up for a free barn tour by emailing barntours@centurydowns.com.

A high-fashion and high-stakes day of horse racing on August 6 at the Mid-Summer Classic.

See you at Century Downs!