For the second time in its eight-year tenure, Sizzlen Hot Herbie claimed the Vic Hayter Memorial Invitational Trot at Clinton Raceway for owner and trainer Natasha Day.

In the 2023 edition on Sunday afternoon, Sizzlen Hot Herbie left the gate in the field of eight trotters from post four for driver Daniel Clements, making a surge around the three-quarters and headed for home in a time of 2:00.2. The nine-year-old Here Comes Herbie gelding paid $10.40.

The event, held in honour of late Stratford Hotelier and avid Standardbred owner and fan Vic Hayter, featured a purse of $16,000 and incorporated a cause near and dear to his heart: the Humane Society. The Stratford and Perth Society were able to raise just over $4,000 as part of their trackside fundraising efforts. 

Life Is Better grabbed the lead by a :58.2 half and sealed victory in the undercard feature, a $5,500 Preferred 3 Pace. Ryan Desroche launched the seven-year-old Betterthancheddar stallion towards the top and kept rolling through three-quarters in 1:27 to cap the 1:56.3 mile 1-1/4 lengths in front of pocket-sitter YS Delight. Harpers Hat Trick pushed first over through the final turn but settled for third. Kenneth Mathieson trains and co-owns Life Is Better with Henry Banakiewicz. He paid $8.50 to win.

The mutuels had just over $53,000 wagered on the 10-race afternoon card, with a Pick-5 carryover of $1,924. 

The month of July closes out next Sunday with the annual Wiener Dog race as well as a fundraiser and member appreciation event for the Huron Manufacturing Association. Grassroots Woodfired Pizza will also be on site serving up delicious eats during the afternoon card.

To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Clinton Raceway.

(With files from Clinton Raceway)