The Town of Bowden is presenting area resident Dale “Colonel” Saunders with a plaque on New Year's Eve for his 2,000th horse racing win and his contributions to the community.
Mayor Robb Stuart plans to present the plaque to Saunders during the community dance Dec. 31.
During an interview with the Albertan, Stuart described Saunders' 2000th win as “a major milestone in the racing world, let alone in Alberta.”
In addition to that milestone, Stuart noted Saunders has been in the horse racing business for roughly 50 years now.
“It's a significant achievement for a local person to reach that standard in whatever area that might be, whether you're a hockey player or a baseball player – whatever – to have that longevity and that kind of a proven track record,” Stuart said.
“He was instrumental in Bowden in the old days. He was a very good athlete in his day; in ball, horse racing and foot racing.”
During its Dec. 14 meeting, Bowden council voted to spend $1,286.25 to have the plaque made
“I think there'll be a huge turnout for this one. I know some people who are in their 80s who are going to be coming, mainly because of this presentation,” Stuart said.
He said those people include current and former neighbours of Saunders (he lives across Highway 2) as well as some who used to go to school with him.
Stuart predicts some people from the horse racing community will also attend the event.
In addition to his racing prowess, Saunders and his wife Barb are heavily involved in the horse racing industry.
Wild Creek, a mare born and raised on Saunders' farm, won several stakes races, as did her progeny.
Stuart says there's a “huge history” of horse racing in Bowden and area.
He notes in addition to Saunders, Ab and Michele Brewster of Cool Spring Farm near Bowden have also been heavily involved in horse breeding and horse racing for years.
They were named the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association breeder of the year several years ago; the first time breeders from outside the U.S. had received that award, reports say.
"It's a significant achievement for a local person to reach that standard in whatever area that might be, whether you're a hockey player or a baseball player – whatever – to have that longevity and that kind of a proven track record." ROBB STUARTMAYORBOWDEN
