Kristina Rennich started working as a groom at the Fraser Downs racetrack, formerly known as Cloverdale Raceway, when she decided to turn her passion for horses into a career at the age of 12.

Rennich, 53, said she used to tag along with trainers to soak up every piece of knowledge she could at the track in Surrey, B.C., which has operated for almost 50 years.

She said the abrupt announcement of the harness racing track's closure last week is a blow to her childhood memories.

"That was a place that helped me develop into the person I became," said Rennich, who now runs a facility looking after special-needs horses in Edmonton.

"I do feel like a part of me is gone, even though I haven't been back there, but knowing it was there (was) like you can go home," said Rennich, adding that many

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