One month...four weeks...31 days since the lives of many changed and took a turn for the worse. No one knew what to expect, many did not know where they would go or what they would do. As the days went on and time progressed, the support seen from everyone was inspiring. I said to my family, everyone has the same goal in this game, but when tragedy strikes everyone comes together to find a positive. Although I was not personally affected, I knew many who were. My friends lost their pride, their companions, and most importantly, their best friends. Some who they knew before they even had a harness on.

Seeing the positive spirit from the trainers who have been back in the game within the past four weeks has been incredible. They are a true demonstration of resilience and strength. The most important thing is they are carrying a smile on their face that is worth a thousand words.

Chantal Mitchell and Ben Wallace are two of the first individuals who I approached after the fire. I have had the opportunity to meet Chantal through a mutual friend, Norm Files, and Ben through his partner Renee Kierans. When I heard about the incident, I wanted to give them something that was meaningful and begin to build what was lost. As I have drawn colour suits for multiple drivers and trainers in the past, I thought it was the perfect fit. They are what defines them and how people recognize them within the industry.

As always, Chantal was very thankful when she received her picture. She expressed with a smile that “It will definitely go in the new office and it is very accurate.” Ben’s response was “I lost a lot of nice pictures in that office, and this will begin to replace them all.” To hear those words on his first night back in the game, to see that smile, and to witness him winning a race, made the trip to Woodbine that night worth it. To see both of them smile was a mission accomplished.

As I am a licensed owner and groom, I am actively involved with harness racing. I am going to do everything I personally can to put a smile back on everyone's face that was affected by the Classy Lane fire. I've already started, but that is only the beginning. A week ago I took part in a Mental Health Training Workshop through my school. One of the activities was that you had to write down what you would do if you were to win ten million dollars. My response was to give it to the victims that were involved in the fire at Classy Lane Stables, because I know that they could put it towards what was lost.

I will end with this quote by Henry Ford: "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." When we all come together and help each other in need, there is always a positive outcome for us all. It may seem like a long road ahead, but good things take time, and everything happens for a reason.

Karly Tripp

The views presented in Trot Blogs are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Standardbred Canada.