by Jessica Carnochan, for Clinton Raceway
Clinton, ON — This Sunday afternoon (July 23) Clinton Raceway played host to the second annual Vic Hayter Memorial Trot, a stakes event that honors the late Stratford, Ont. hotelier, avid Standardbred owner and lover of all animals.
The Hayter family were looking for a way to honor their late father and it seemed fitting to host a trot that incorporated a fundraiser for the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society as well as the Stratford Perth Humane Society at one of Hayter’s favorite places to watch the races.
“My family and I have vowed to continue this tradition year after year in hopes that the day will only become bigger and better, year after year, all the while keeping the memory of ‘Big Vic’ alive!” one of Hayter’s sons, Greg, mentioned.
Just over C$5,000 was raised for the two mentioned charities through a Beef BBQ, raffle, 50/50 and silent auction.
The Vic Hayter Memorial Trot was the final race of the 10-race card on Sunday afternoon.
Driver Bruce Richardson worked out a two-hole trip, after leaving from the rail, with his mount, the Mike Weller-trained Bella Palazzo ($4.90).
Bella Palazzo, a 6-year-old daughter of Tom Ridge, is owned by the Pod Stable LLC of Seven Hills, Ohio.
Also featured on the days card was a C$4,000 Racing Under Saddle contest, and it was the Keith Jones-trained and Maggie Jones-ridden Pukka ($5.60) that took home the win for owner Lisa Heyden of Midhurst, Ont..
Not to be out done, the mini’s entered the track following the ninth race of the day, for an exhibition race. Making a charge at the wire for the win was Doublefistinbudz driven by Emma Christoforou and owned by Emma and High Stakes Stables.