Trot Insider has learned that longtime Standardbred owner Vic Hayter of Stratford, Ont. passed away suddenly on Tuesday (February 23) at the age of 78.

Hayter, who has long been a participant in harness racing, owned or has owned more than a dozen hotels in the Stratford area over a career as a hotelier spanning more than four decades. He's most often affiliated with Arden Park Hotel in Stratford, known to have copies of Trot Magazine out for reading material in the hotel's lobby.

Among the successful horses Hayter owned were Sokys Baron in the 1980s and most recently, Hard Rock N Roll. That trotter was especially dear to him for being a good racehorse before moving on to a stallion career, siring his good horse Rockys First.

Hayter's sons Ed and Greg are both active in the Standardbred industry and carry on his name.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, Feb. 28 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at W.G. Young Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, Feb. 29 at 11 a.m. at the Stratford Festival Theatre, located on 55 Queen Street in Stratford, Ont. A reception will immediately follow the funeral service at Arden Park Hotel, located at 552 Ontario Street in Stratford.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Vic Hayter.