Drivers Simon Allard, Anthony MacDonald and Robert Shepherd are stepping up in support of injured horseman Kurt Hughes. Shepherd and Allard told Trot Insider that the three drivers will be donating their five per cent commissions from the Sunday, December 7 card at Flamboro Downs.

Allard also told Trot Insider that they are hoping to have a donation box placed in the Flamboro race office for people to aid Hughes if they please. Allard will be driving in four races on the Sunday card.

Hughes was severely injured following a single car accident during the early hours of November 2.

Hughes is Rob Shepherd's cousin. The two grew up together. Hughes was the best man at Shepherd's wedding. "He's more like my best friend, and he needs some help right now," Shepherd said.

"Kurt had only been in Ontario for about a year. A lot of people were just getting to know him. The impression that he left on those people was strong. He's a great guy and always has been." Shepherd will be competing in eight of Flamboro's 10 races on Sunday.

"I met Kurt a couple of times and he seemed like a really nice guy," said Allard. "I have a friend back home in Quebec that was injured in a motocross accident. I know that it is a serious situation and Kurt needs all the encouragement and support that he can get."

MacDonald will be driving in three races on Sunday. Click here to view the entries.

Allard and Shepherd have said that the trio is inviting all other drivers and trainers that wish to participate.

An online fundraiser is currently in the works. Auction organizers are requesting the support of the harness racing community to offer auction items for this initiative.

As always horsepeople are stepping up in a big way. Art Zubrod and Brittany Farms have donated an Angus Hall breeding, while Al and Bob McIntosh, New Destiny Stables have donated a season's breeding to Camluck. Tom Harmer has donated an AdvantEdge sulky, and golf packages, hockey tickets in Detroit and Toronto and much more has been offered up.

Without saying, this is a great cause to get behind.

Parties interested in donating items to the Kurt Hughes auction may contact:

Paul MacDonell: [email protected]
Ken Sucee: [email protected]
Ralph Sucee: [email protected]
Jeff Porchak: [email protected]