Released at the end of September, The Way it Was and Now tells the life story of Canadian Horse Racing Hall Of Fame inductee Dr. Roly Armitage.
In his memoir, Dr. Armitage shares a series of vignettes on his life experiences and many career challenges as a soldier, veterinarian, leader in harness racing and politician.
After serving in the Royal Canadian Artillery, Dr. Armitage became a veterinarian and Standardbred breeder and owner of Armstead Farms. He also held the roles of president of the Canadian Trotting Association and the Canadian Standardbred Horse Society, general manager of Rideau Carleton Raceway and mayor of West Carleton.
Among the stories he shares from his racing background, Dr. Armitage discusses pioneering moves he made in his leadership roles that ultimately helped pave the way for his induction into the Hall of Fame. Inspired by the racetracks in Sweden after attending the Elitlopp, Dr. Armitage fought for the removal of the hub rail to improve the safety of the sport. He was also an advocate for freeze branding to confirm the identity of horses in pari-mutuel races.
“I was always thought of as a bit of story teller and so many people said, ‘Roly, you should write a book!’ I’m retired and I’m healthy and I thought this might be as good a time as any,” said Dr. Armitage. “I’ve enjoyed writing the book and I think that anybody reading it will enjoy it.”
At 89 years old, Dr. Armitage is still active in the breeding and racing industry with Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots winner Armstead Kyra’s full sister currently in training.
Dr. Armitage will be signing his book this Saturday, November 8, at Ottawa's West Carleton Community Complex, 5670 Carp Road (corner of Kinburn Side Road and Carp Road) from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon.
For more information or to purchase the book, visit www.rolyarmitage.com.