This horse never retired. In the years since he quit racing, this legend of the sport has been mated with more than 2,400 mares. It is not uncommon to have 15 or 20 of As Promised's sons and daughters racing on any given day at Northlands Park. He is almost an industry all by himself.

The event will highlight everything that is right with the sport and give race fans the opportunity to reconnect with a long-lost Hall of Fame friend.

Guests can feed this gentle gentleman carrots and apples in the walking ring, starting at noon. At the same time, his original owner and driver, a legend in his own right, Keith Clark, will be signing autographs.

Post time for the first race is 1 p.m.

Both Clark and current owner Dr. David Dyrholm will be available for interviews concerning the storied past and uncertain future of the sport of their lives. It is a day of positives, a celebration, at a crucial time in the sport.

"I'm honoured to be a part of a day like this," says Keith Clark.

The event is the brainchild of Alberta horseman Orianna Scheck. She can be reached for interviews at 403-815-5600.

"He may be 20, but he still looks like a million dollars," says Scheck. "Harness racing has been a big part of my life and it's an opportunity to give something back and showcase the positives and one of the giants of the industry."

The day also offers the local media the opportunity to get up close and personal with a special horse and the special people who make the sport something all Albertans should cherish. It is a part of our heritage as a province and a people.

Standardbreds Forever, indeed.

Katja FROSTERUS-GOULET