He was one of the most sought-after catch drivers in Ontario harness racing when a bombshell announcement in 2010 banned Brad Forward from the sport for five years. After being exonerated earlier this year and more than two years away from the industry, Brad Forward returned to Ontario this past weekend focused on regaining his position as one of Canada's top drivers.
In the Summer of 2010, three Ontario-based drivers - Forward, Gene Piroski and Kevin Wallis - were fined and suspended as a result of an investigation into allegations that certain licensees racing at Windsor Raceway were conspiring to affect the outcome of horse races. All three drivers appealed the ruling and one year later, the charges against Piroski and Wallis were cleared. Forward's charges were dropped in January.
The allegations took their toll on the Newfoundland native, who returned home and closed himself off from those closest to him.
"It was heart-breaking. I more or less just balled up and hid away," Forward told Trot Insider on Monday. "I almost went into a deep depression. I can honestly say it's been two years and not one day went by that I didn't think about racing and getting back. The desire never left."
That burning desire brought Forward back to Ontario, where he was the nation's top dash-winning driver before the 2010 suspension. While Forward is eager to get back in the bike, the move back came at a price: saying good-bye to his family.
"I had to leave my family back home, it was the hardest decision I've had to make," admitted Forward. "When I stepped off the plane on Saturday, it hit me that it was just me here. But I know that if I want to get back on my feet, this is what I have to do. I know I'm sacrificing a lot, I'm just hoping to God this all works out."
Knowing that he will need to earn his spot back in the deep driving ranks in Ontario, Forward noted that he's now in London, Ont. and he'd been in touch with a few trainers but he's willing drive wherever he's needed.
"My licence is all taken care of. I've been talking to my cousin Gary McDonald in Ottawa, but right now I'm just looking to get listed.
"One thing I always found about harness racing, it can be tough but it's like a united family. I love the people here and the racing industry. With some luck I'm hoping to be back driving and proving myself."
HARNESS FAN JIM. Back where
HARNESS FAN JIM.
Back where u belong, congrats Brad.See you at the track soon.
All the best to you and your family in 2013.
Welcome HOME Brad
Welcome HOME Brad
Welcome back Brad!! I know
Welcome back Brad!! I know you will rise to the top very soon! Mcrileymac and I certainly have missed you! Definately can drive mine anytime. Just wish I had a bigger stable for you!!
CONGRATS BRAD. It has been
CONGRATS BRAD. It has been way to long. With the way the industy is now its great to see something positive happening.Brad hold your head up high and do what you do best and that would be winning. GOOD LUCK Brad hope to see you soon. your friend Carver Sullivan
"Welcome back Brad, Great
"Welcome back Brad,
Great news that you have returned to race in Ontario. I always believed in your innocence. I'm sure I will have drives for you in 2013.
Your Friend,
Bob McIntosh"
That was awfully good of you Mr. McIntosh. The world needs more people like you.
Welcome back Brad, another
Welcome back Brad, another travesty, who's going to compensate Brad for the 2 years he lost? won't be the Judge, Jury & executioner that cost him the 2 years that's for sure
So glad to see you back.I am
So glad to see you back.I am excited.I know all your previous trainers and then some will welcome you back as you tried to win in every race.Who can deny or dispute that?No one.So happy you could overcome this farce.You are better than that.
Glad you are back Brad, good
Glad you are back Brad, good luck.
Congratulations Brad. It's
Congratulations Brad. It's long overdue and I hope you have immediate success in your endevours to get back in the sulky. Your friends in Cape Breton have always believed in you and I know you will be back on top in no time. Hope to see you in the near future driving in Woodbine or wherever.
Your friend Bob
in Glace Bay
Welcome back Brad. You
Welcome back Brad. You remain in our hearts as we still watch you drive Pacific Oak in the 2009 Gold Cup and Saucer elimination and final on You Tube. It is wonderful that you were able to put this behind you and we wish you the best of luck. Kerry and Shirley.
Welcome back Brad, Great news
Welcome back Brad,
Great news that you have returned to race in Ontario. I always believed in your innocence. I'm sure I will have drives for you in 2013.
Your Friend,
Bob McIntosh
Good Luck to Brad -- wishing
Good Luck to Brad -- wishing you nothing but best in the bike -- looking forward to seeing you tear up the track
Welcome back Brad,when
Welcome back Brad,when Piroski and Wallis were cleared you should have been also.It seems the powers that be in this business always go after the drivers and trainers who are doing really well. I hope the owners and trainers will take advantage of your skills and soon have you back on the track where you belong.
Fast forward is back!!!! Good
Fast forward is back!!!! Good for you my friend!
Welcome back Brad,and Phil,
Welcome back Brad,and Phil, Steve ..2013 is going to be a difficult year for standardbred racing in Ontario ..all the best in the new year See you at the races....