Anderson, IN – The Harness Horse Youth Foundation (HHYF) spent the summer traveling and conducting programs to teach kids about harness racing in Indiana, Ohio, New Jersey, and New York. At the conclusion of the Gaitway Farm program on Tuesday, (Aug. 4), the 21-year-old standardbred gelding Royal Attire made his final rounds as an accomplished ambassador for harness racing.
Foaled in 2005, Royal Attire, better known as “Roy”, had a short career in the trotting racing scene in Indiana before joining the HHYF stable in 2009. Since then, he spent his summers traveling all over the country for HHYF events and his winters with his standardbred stablemates on vacation. Known for his calm demeanor and willing attitude, Roy was often the go-to horse for demonstrations and special events.
He has taught countless kids as well as adults how to drive a harness horse. HHYF executive director and recently named hall-of-famer, Ellen Taylor guessed that well over 1,000 people had the pleasure to sit behind Roy in his lifetime. For many of those people, it was the first time they ever held a set of lines. Roy always ensured that the first time jogging a horse was a positive experience and helped his young drivers to fall in love with harness racing.
“Roy came into the HHYF program a bit timid almost two decades ago and developed into an angelic, gentle and confident teacher,” said Taylor. “He is so kind with the most inexperienced hands and will be deeply missed.”
Like many others, Roy was the beginning of my own harness racing story. I attended an HHYF camp at Gaitway Farm when I was 12-years-old, and Roy was the first horse I jogged. The experience got me hooked on harness racing and Roy became another “first” when I completed my first training half-mile (the standardbreds race shorter distances than their thoroughbred counterparts) at HHYF Leadership camp for returning campers. He then taught me how to care for horses as an HHYF intern.
Each summer Roy watched me grow taller and my harness racing resume grew with me as well. I went from someone who didn’t know what harness racing was to a fan, a caretaker, an equine science degree-holder, and now a licensed driver, trainer, charter, and race secretary.
I had the pleasure to sit behind Royal Attire on his last lap around the Gaitway Farm track, the same place my journey began with Roy 14 years ago. But this time, a new young driver held the lines and I sat beside them, teaching them everything I had learned since I was in their seat.
Roy’s retirement was celebrated with posters made by the kids, cheers, and of course a “Happy Retirement” cake. He was adopted by 10-year-old Delaney Spicer, daughter of trainer Veronica and Symon Spicer. Taylor said, “Witnessing the expression of joy on Delaney’s face and knowing Roy’s affinity for little girls, I know he will excel in his new home.”
This year, the Harness Horse Youth Foundation celebrates 50 years of sharing the sport of harness racing with the next generation. Tickets are on sale now for the 50th Celebration Brunch at the Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky on October 10.