Last month the ‘I Love Canadian Harness Racing’ Fan Club reached out to you in search of a special harness racing ambassador.
There’s no question that our industry is fortunate to have an abundance of ambassadors that generate awareness and interest in the sport. These ambassadors are a major part of the ‘heart of harness racing.’ They are passionate about harness racing’s horses and horse people and dedicate their free time to the sport, working tirelessly to promote the sport and introduce new people to racing.
The I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club is pleased to announce that Karen Duck, of McGregor, Ontario, is the Fan Club’s 2014 Ambassador of the Year!
Karen Duck, Campobello and Todd Kennedy (Photo Supplied)
Karen, her husband Todd Kennedy and their daughter Brittany have been active in all aspects of the industry.
Karen grew up in the Industry as a third generation groom, owner and trainer on the Duck family farm in Port Elgin. "Wait for me, Dad!" were familiar words to her Father as she grew up tagging along by his side. Her Mom gave her the photography bug at a young age and it still remains her favourite hobby.
Her family-run Kennedy Racing Stable, comprised of four horses, has her at the barn as the Stable Gopher -- "Karen, could you do me a small favour - run to the Tack Shop, run to the Bank..." Her day also includes any photography she can squeeze in along the way and running the household.
“Karen has tirelessly lobbied at all of the racing rallies held during the past three years, being very vocal on social media for our industry,” explained Jane Belore in her submission, “She was also part of the group of individuals who worked long and hard to get Leamington going, being present at the Leamington Fair handing out info, and promoting harness racing there.”
“I cannot think of a more deserving Ambassador for our sport,” stated Ruleen Lilley, “She and her husband Todd Kennedy and their daughter Brittany have been active in all areas of the industry. She championed the campaign against the cancellation of SARP, attending each rally in Toronto. In her little corner of Ontario, the Windsor area, she and her friends put Lakeshore Raceway on the map. You can see her work in the winner's circle photo that shows all the horsemen and spectators enjoying a day at the races in Leamington.”
Karen loves photography and has submitted entries to the Fan Club’s Zoom Challenges and Heart of Harness Racing Calendar. One of her images of Racing Under Saddle at Clinton in 2014 is the July feature shot in the 2015 calendar. Karen tirelessly promotes the RUS girls which includes her daughter, Brittany, and is the photographer of record for RUS events.
“I Love Canadian Harness Racing because in my eyes there is no other breed of horse I admire or love more than a Standardbred,” explained Karen, “They are 'Winners That Don't Quit'. And once again are proving their immense versatility in the newest pursuit, Racing Under Saddle. I am having a great time going on the road following Britt as she rides with the other girls all across Ontario in this exciting new in this exciting new sport being integrated into Ontario Harness Racing.
"What other breed could successfully race in harness one week, race under saddle the next and come right back to go behind the gate in harness again their next start? I am loving recording their journeys on camera and then being able to give the girls memories of their race nights.”
In addition to her $100 racing gift card and Fan Club Swag Prize Package, Karen will be recognized in a trackside presentation (at the racetrack of her choice) this spring.
Past Fan Club Ambassadors of the year include Garnet Barnsdale in 2013, Sydney Weaver in 2012 and Jerry McCabe in 2011.