80

Those who know him would likely not believe he's 80 years old. When you think about someone in their 80s, many would think of docile retirees that lead a rather sedentary life. I doubt there are too many 80 year olds running breeding farms

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Many have felt his sandpaper-soft personality first hand. People I work with likely cringe when he calls, wondering what has him fired up on this occasion. Once after a win at Western Fair, a certain track photographer was asked point blank with a tone of incredulity in his voice, "what's that in your nose?", obviously not used to a piercing being placed anywhere but an ear. Ask anyone who has trained for him in the past, or even trains for him now...I'm sure they would tell you what a character he is and have a story or two to back up that statement.

That being said, he truly was the embodiment of his environment - raised as one of 12 kids (nine boys) on a farm near Ingersoll, Ont. during the 'dirty thirties'. He worked in the tobacco farms of south-western Ontario before moving to factory work; Massey-Harris, Harvey Woods, and eventually Kelsey Hayes as a shift foreman while raising three boys born between 1955 and 1974, and subsequently retiring from the life of shift work in the early 90s.

Those who know him best know there is a softer side, but that was usually reserved for the animals on the farm. He would grieve the loss of life for a horse or a dog, and even then it could startle you. That paled in comparison to the loss of his wife in 2001 after a two-year battle with cancer. Understandably, that sadness still remains.

The life of someone in harness racing though, as we all know, is one of ups and downs. While I'm in no way positioning the events in any sort of balance, the years between 2003-2007 were some of his best ever in the business. Owning a winner of $160,000 in 2003. Owning a Grand Circuit stakes winner in 2006, her sister a Breeders Crown winner, their dam in his barn. It certainly doesn't bring back the loss of a loved one but it undoubtedly helped keep focus on why he stayed involved in this industry when at times he felt like giving up.

Today, the Jayport name lives on with its namesake, Tom Porchak (the POR and T in Jayport). On my father's 80th birthday, I take this opportunity to thank him for all the support he's given me over the years to help get me where I am. Happy birthday Dad.

Love,
Jeff