For the majority of the ten race harness racing card this Sunday at Clinton Raceway the sky was grey and overcast. Minutes before post to the tenth and final race, the Vic Hayter Memorial Trot, the clouds parted and sun shone warm on the backs of family and friends gathered to honour the late horseman and hotelier of Stratford.
In early spring the family had thought it would be a appropriate way to honour Vic, whom had passed away from a short, but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer in February. Plans came together to include a track side fundraiser for the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society and the Stratford Perth Humane Society, organizations that were both near and dear to Hayter.
Through the raffle, beef bbq ticket sales and the silent auction, just over $5000 was raised for the two organizations.
The $12,500 invitational trot saw eight go to the gate for the tenth and final race of the day. Lexis D J nosed out front of the pack from post position three for a gate to wire finish for owner Shane Arsenault in a mile time of 1:59.2. A commemorative trophy was presented, which will be engraved and held at the track. Presentations were also made to the owner, trainer, driver and groom.
"It was an emotional day" states Greg Hayter, son of Vic. "even more so when Shane's horse won the race, it was the icing on the cake."
The annual event will make a return to Clinton Raceway next Summer, with hopes of becoming a yearly invitational trot. The days handle was just shy of $26,000.
Jessica Carnochan