November’s feature shot in the Heart of Harness Racing Calendar was photographed by Liz Waples of Guelph, Ontario.
Liz captured this image of Sydney Weaver driving Learn The Lingo alongside Hall of Famer Ron Waples in Campbellville, Ontario.
Liz has been involved in harness racing since she was 18 years old and has had many different roles in the industry during the past 30 years, including grooming, training, breeding and administration. She started out working at Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg - Thoroughbreds in the summer and Standardbreds in the winter. She moved to Ontario to go to college and then continued to work with the Standardbreds.
She’s dabbled in work away from the horses a few times, but always misses the horses and comes back.
Liz is a director for the SBOA (Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association) and was the coordinator for the very successful OHHA Youth Camp Program from 2007- 2010.
This past spring to fall, Liz worked at Warrawee Farm prepping yearlings, and she will be spending this winter in Florida, working for Carl Jamieson at Southern Oaks.
“I’m not really into photography but Bill O’Donnell asked us if we would help with giving Sydney (Weaver) her first ride behind a standardbred as we had a special seat to accommodate someone in a wheelchair and a quiet horse that she could drive. I brought my camera so that she would have some pictures of it.”
Liz manages to find time to do a lot of canning in the fall and enjoys cooking, and hosting dinner parties.
Anybody that wants to have a
Anybody that wants to have a GREAT night at the races need only come to Mohawk next summer and hang out at the rail with my pal Sydney. Her love of the sport and horses and drivers is absolutely contagious! I had a great time this past summer hanging out with the Weavers. They are the best!
Thats why Ron Waples is a
Thats why Ron Waples is a hall of famer,,all class,heart,and a giver.,Liz is compassionate,and the little girl Sydney, what a giant in character and a tower of strength,for all of us.