Although they may be newcomers to Chicago racing fans, driver Simon Allard and brother/trainer Rene Allard are clearly in the hearts and minds of the local brethren after joining forces with Hawthorne Race Course to spearhead a fundraising drive to help those whose lives were devastated by the tragic barn fire at Classy Lane Training Centre in Canada on January 4.

Simon, who had a driving double along with several other in-the-money finishes, donated his driving earnings from Saturday’s Hawthorne card to the fund that has been set up by Central Ontario Standardbred Association. Rene, who sent out six starters at Hawthorne on Saturday night as well as several others at Yonkers, also pitched in by donating his training percentage to help his fellow horsemen.

With a great deal of help from horsemen Nicole Agosti and Angie Coleman along with a group of “high energy” youngsters, donations were also collected from fans and horsemen throughout the track during the night.

Hawthorne President & General Manager Tim Carey also stepped up in a big way to help the fund, promising to match the donations while setting up an account with the horsemen’s bookkeeper at Hawthorne for those who still wish to donate to the fund. The account will remain open until Friday, January 22.

Online donations can also be made by using the official GoFundMe page set up by the Central Ontario Standardbred Association or by calling (905) 854-2672. Cheques can also be made payable to “Classy Lane Barn Fire,” Central Ontario Standardbred Association, PO Box 297, Campbellville, ON LOP 180, Canada.

(Hawthorne Race Course)