The prospects just got a whole lot better for filling up that horse trailer in the front lobby at Western Fair Raceway with toys for children in need this holiday season.
The London track's leading driver in 2008, Brad Forward, is stepping up to donate his fees from the Monday afternoon, December 15 card, for the cause.
"I'm listed to drive in 11 out of 12 races at Western Fair on Monday and this kind of charity cause and special day is something I really enjoy, this is a great and special cause," Forward says.
Recent proof of that statement was shown in the Ontario Regional Driving Championship near the end of the 2008 Meet at Grand River Raceway when he advanced to the national final round early next year.
Forward's generosity could indeed be very substantial in London on Monday afternoon. Starting off with 2-1 morning line choice Sparkaluck in the first race, Forward has a slate of top mounts through to piloting XLB Patrick in the 12th race finale which is the $18,400 Preferred Pace.
The toy drive at Western Fair concludes this Friday. The goal is to fill a Granton Trailer with new, unwrapped toys for children under the age of 12. The toys will then be distributed by the Salvation Army.
In 2006, Forward was Western Fair's driving champion and set modern era precedents for wins and earnings totals in a calendar year at the London oval. He surrendered the track's driving title in 2007 to Jason Brewer but he's claimed it back in 2008.
(Western Fair Raceway)
Great to see Brad's
Great to see Brad's considerable talent is matched by his big heart. Though I live in Ohio, I'm a big fan of Brad and take a week off each year to drive up to Elora to enjoy the racing at Grand River and Western Fair.
Thank you for stepping up &
Thank you for stepping up & making east coaster proud of you & not just in the horse business. We need more people like you in this world & in this business. We have all watched you over the years & root for you. We are very proud of you & have followed your career. You make us proud to be east coaster & give the children growing up in this business a great roll model when this industry is having a hard time surving the changes. You made me proud of you when you drove our horses & when you stand up for the causes that mean this much to all of us. Your success is earned & we know it. Merry Christmas to you & your family. Best of luck in 2009.
I am proud of you for
I am proud of you for thinking of those less fortunate in their time of need.You are making a lot of children happy this Christmas.You are a true Newfoundlander giving from your heart. Congratulation on a successful year. Merry Christmas to you and the family.
Way to go Brad. your having
Way to go Brad. your having an awsome year, keep up the good work.
Your doing a lot for these needy kids and we think its great.
Best of luck to you
say hi to the kids for us.
Way to go Brad. A great move
Way to go Brad. A great move by a great driver.
Brad is such a great guy.
Brad is such a great guy. Always willing to help others. He would literaly give you the shirt off his back, thats just the kind of guy he is. Great job Brad and good luck.
way to go brad you are a
way to go brad you are a asset to the sport my friend ,its guys like you that are needed in this business good luck this afternoon
good on you Brad..... it is
good on you Brad..... it is obvious how much you enjoy kids when you see you with yours.... how nice to make a great chritmas for many others.... here's to 11 trips in the winner's circle for the kids
Way to go Brad. This is the
Way to go Brad. This is the type of positive publicity our sport needs. My hat's off to you. This speaks volumes of Brad's character.
I never met Brad, but I will
I never met Brad, but I will say we need more people like him in this world. I remember walking into Woodbine Racetrack and from a distance I saw somebody wearing driver’s silks. At the time I thought hmm, that’s weird, why is Luc Ouellette walking in fully dressed ready to race? As I got closer I realized it wasn’t Luc and the silks belonged to Brad. A special needs boy was with his father wearing Brad’s silks. I said to the boy “you must be a fan of Brad’s?” The boy replied, but giving his condition it was difficult to understand what he was saying. The boy’s father later told me that they were standing by the rail at Flamboro watching the races when Brad happened to drive by. Brad spotted the boy cheering and later went over and gave the boy his silks. Now that’s generosity and class at its best. I hope you have a big day Monday and thanks for being you!
Brad is a Great guy hes kind
Brad is a Great guy hes kind and hes a great driver good luck brad i hope u the best of luck buddie and good luck in 2009 hope ur top driver
hope you have a big day
hope you have a big day tomorrow for the needy kids.
you make us proud,keep up the good work.
Brad's a great guy and a
Brad's a great guy and a great driver.His driver fees could easily be around $1,ooo for the day.That is a sizeable contribution.
That's how you pay it
That's how you pay it FORWARD, Best of luck in 09
In reply to That's how you pay it by Al Mac (not verified)
Good Luck tonite Brad!
Good Luck tonite Brad! Thanks for showing that the horse business cares in tough times like we are having right now! Best of Luck in 2009