Warden's Pace comes with a rich heritage
By Chris Simon

About 70 dignitaries and government staff gathered for the annual Warden's Pace standardbred horse race at Georgian Downs recently.

The race has had a long history in Simcoe County. Established in the late 1960s - and held at the Barrie Fairground - the event brings the mayors and deputy mayors from throughout Simcoe County, Barrie and Orillia together for a social evening of dinner, drinks and wagering each year.

"There's a tremendous amount of history to it; it goes back to the agricultural community and the ties they have to county council," said warden Tony Guergis. "Right across the county there's strong support for recreation and the elements of the agricultural community."

Guergis says the event is simply about building camaraderie among local politicians and municipal staff.

"It's a great way for members of county council, staff and friends to get together and enjoy an evening in Innisfil. We're pleased to continue the tradition," he said.

"It's just a social gathering; it's more of a connection back to the the agricultural community and the tradition of horse racing."

Throughout the years, some slight modifications have been made to the race. When it was first introduced, the warden rode a horse in the race. However, Guergis is glad that tradition was dropped before he became warden.

"They needed the warden to survive," he said laughing. "It's a safety factor. The warden has a number of traditions, one of them is the Warden's Bonspiel. I did participate in curling this year, for the first time in my life, and we did end up with one member of our team off to hospital with a slip on the ice. I don't think it was in anyone's best interest that I get out there and ride a horse."

The winner of the race received a commemorative cooling blanket and a trophy.