After having raced to 40 wins, over $1.6-million in purses and an O’Brien Award, there is no doubt that Bigtime Ball enjoyed his time on the racetrack. Although he is now enjoying his retirement, the 15-year-old son of Presidential Ball still loves getting out in front of his fans.

The gelding’s affinity for the spotlight was on display at the Can-Am All Breeds Equine Expo earlier this month at the Markham Fairgrounds in Ontario. Bigtime Ball was under western tack at the event and was showing the versatility of the breed and promoting the Ontario Standardbred Show Series, much to the delight of Sarah Waldram.

“I got ‘Ball’ in June of 2017,” Waldram told Trot Insider. “His retirement home could no longer care for him due to health reasons, so Gord Irwin contacted me and the rest is history.”

Waldram, who was looking forward to the Can-Am All Breeds Equine Expo at the Markham Fairgrounds, was pleased with the way that Bigtime Ball took to the event.

“The first day at the fairgrounds was a bit overwhelming for him,” she said, “but once he got used to all of the noises he settled and showed the crowd just how versatile the Standardbred breed is. He did his breed proud!”

Waldram told Trot Insider that Bigtime Ball is truly enjoying his retirement from racing.

“He is loving his new life at a small boarding facility in Omemee,” said Waldram, who explained that Bigtime Ball prefers to live outside, except during fly season.

Waldram has been involved in the show series for some time, as she helped Tammi Hughes run the show in Orono until just a few years ago. Being able to incorporate Bigtime Ball into the series has been a joy for Waldram.

“Ball got to go to his first show 10 days after I got him (in 2017) and he finished second in halter and won the pleasure driving class,” she explained. “He didn't show in 2018 because of hoof issues, but I'm planning on taking him to all three shows this summer.”

Bigtime Ball is also a part of the Ontario Mounted Special Services Unit, as he performs in drill competitions, a mounted event and trail patrol. Waldram told Trot Insider that her ultimate goal is to train Bigtime Ball for mounted search and rescue.