While the world of Canadian harness racing enjoys an amble down “Trottin’ Horse Lane” with the just-hot-off-the-press ‘The Way it Was and Now,’ the Standardbred Chaplaincy enjoys the fruits of the book’s success.

The Way it Was and Now is an entertaining autobiography of Dunrobin, Ont. Hall of Fame horseman, veterinarian, owner, breeder, and harness racing executive Dr. Roly Armitage.

A portion of the profits from the book’s sales will be donated to Chaplain Ken Carter’s Standardbred Chaplaincy.

Dr. Armitage was a force in Canadian harness racing. He served as president of the Canadian Trotting Association and the Canadian Standardbred Horse Society. These two organizations are now combined to form Standardbred Canada.

He also served as president and general manager of Rideau Carleton Raceway. His great foresight allowed him to advocate the elimination of hub rails, a move that eliminated racing accidents and saved drivers’ lives. He was also a strong proponent for the freeze branding identification technique that came to be employed by the Canadian breeding industry.

Along with the late John Hayes, Dr. Armitage was instrumental in introducing electronic eligibility to the sport, putting Canada on the leading edge of technology in horse racing.

A man of honesty and integrity that has lived life to the fullest, and always on his own terms, Dr. Armitage’s journey is far from complete. He is still an active participant in the sport as an owner and breeder of trotting horses.

The Standardbred Chaplaincy will be the benefactor of sales of The Way it Was and Now. A portion of the book’s sales will go towards Chaplain Ken Carter’s non-denominational, non-profit Christian charity dedicated to providing for the emotional, spiritual, physical and human needs of the horse racing work force in southwestern Ontario.

“The men and women, drivers, trainers and grooms, who toil on the backstretches of Canada’s racetracks are the backbone of our harness racing industry and they deserve all of the support we can give to them,” said Dr. Armitage.

Signed copies of The Way it Was and Now are available at the OHHA offices in Campbellville, Ont. and online at rolyarmitage.com. It is available in hard copy, or in the Kindle edition.

(Standardbred Racetrack Chaplaincy of Canada)