Kristina Rennich, who started her career as a groom at Fraser Downs racetrack in Surrey, B.C., at the young age of 12, expressed deep sorrow over the abrupt closure of the harness racing track last week. Having grown up with a passion for horses, Rennich's memories are intertwined with the track that has operated for almost 50 years, originally known as Cloverdale Raceway. At 53 years old, Rennich now runs a facility for special-needs horses in Edmonton, but the closure is a personal loss, reminding her of the place where she developed into the person she is today.

The news of the racetrack's closure was announced by Great Canadian Entertainment, which manages Fraser Downs, following a decision by the City of Surrey to terminate the lease. Mayor Brenda Locke stated that the city aims to revitalize the Cloverdale fairgrounds and town centre, which will encompass over 4.8 hectares. This revitalization plan is designed to facilitate new housing, public spaces, and support for a $3-billion hospital expansion, along with enhanced recreational opportunities.

Although some, like Mayor Locke, view the lease termination as a necessary step toward greater public good, it has left the racing community feeling heartbroken. Rodrigo Perez, assistant general manager of Fraser Downs, remarked on the emotional impact of the decision, highlighting its significant effect on those connected to the long history of horse racing in the region.

Rennich reminisced about her youthful experiences at the track, recalling fond memories of cleaning stalls, caring for horses, and exhilarating race nights filled with lights and adrenaline. She emphasized the level of care that went into looking after the horses, describing them as athletes that required not just physical training but also attention to their mental well-being. Rennich's experiences taught her valuable lessons about hard work and dedication, as she vividly recalled working through adverse weather conditions and the immense satisfaction she felt on race nights.

However, not everyone mourns the loss of Fraser Downs. The Vancouver Humane Society welcomed the closure, describing horse racing as an outdated form of entertainment that subjects horses to undue stress, injuries, and potential fatalities. Meanwhile, the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce expressed disappointment over the closure, stressing that harness racing was a vital part of the community's identity and economy. Former Surrey mayor Doug McCallum also criticized Locke’s decision, arguing it disproportionately affected those within the racing industry, resulting in job losses that cannot be easily replaced.

Rennich underscored that the closure marks a significant loss not just for trainers, drivers, and veterinarians, but for the lifestyle it provided to young people—one that encouraged an active and outdoor-oriented way of life. Despite not having visited the track in 35 years, the recent news evoked feelings of emptiness and nostalgia, as she reflected on the vibrant community that Fraser Downs had fostered over the decades. The closure signifies the end of a cherished chapter in Surrey’s history, leaving both a legacy of fond memories and a sense of loss among those who were part of it.