Some traditions are built around competition. Others are built around love, remembrance and giving back.

This Sunday, July 19, the Hayter family will once again celebrate the life of Vic Hayter with the 11th running of the $18,000 Vic Hayter Memorial Invitational Trot at Clinton Raceway — a day that has become one of the most meaningful events on the annual racing calendar.

For Greg Hayter, the event is about much more than a horse race. It is a way to honour his father's memory in a place that brought him genuine happiness.

"Dad loved Clinton Raceway because of the people as much as the horses," said Greg Hayter. "It was somewhere he always looked forward to going, and this race allows us to keep that connection alive. Every year is an opportunity to celebrate the kind of person he was, remember the impact he had on so many people, and give back to a sport and a community that meant so much to him. As long as we're able, we'll continue to do that."

Vic Hayter passed away in February 2016 at the age of 77 following a battle with cancer. While many knew him as the successful owner of Stratford's Arden Park Hotel and Festival Inn — now the Best Western Plus The Arden Park Hotel — those closest to him knew harness racing was one of his greatest passions. For nearly four decades, he proudly owned Standardbred racehorses and rarely missed an opportunity to spend a Sunday afternoon at Clinton Raceway.

What began as a tribute has grown into a day that horsepeople across Ontario look forward to each season. In addition to sponsoring the featured Invitational Trot, the Hayter family once again has increased the day's overnight purses by 10 per cent and will provide a complimentary meal for all horsepeople competing on the card.

"The Hayter family has created something incredibly special," said Ian Fleming, Clinton Raceway's General Manager. "This day reminds us that harness racing is about more than what happens on the track. It's about family, friendships and the people who help shape our sport. Vic's generosity and passion continue to be felt every July, and we're grateful to the entire Hayter family for ensuring his legacy lives on at Clinton Raceway."

The tradition of giving back continues beyond the racetrack, with proceeds from the day's fundraising efforts supporting Out of the Ashes Big Animal Rescue, a cause that reflects the Hayter family's enduring love and compassion for animals.

Fans are invited to join the Hayter family for an afternoon of outstanding harness racing and fellowship, followed by a chicken BBQ dinner. Dinner tickets are still available for $30 and will be served from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Gates open at 12 p.m., with the first race on the 10-race card scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

Entries for Sunday's card of harness racing, including the $18,000 Vic Hayter Memorial Invitational Trot, will be available on standardbredcanada.ca when drawn.

(Clinton Raceway; photo of 2025 Hayter Memorial winner Mercutio)