The harness racing industry has rallied on numerous fronts to support the family of horseman Hunter Myers, who passed away on Thursday, March 20 as a result of injuries suffered in an accident at The Meadows on Wednesday, March 19.
While it can never be assumed, it should come as no surprise that the Standardbred industry showed an immediate outpouring of support in the hours following the announcement that Myers passed away. He's survived by his fiancée, Chloe Fisher, and seven-month-old son, Hayden.
A GoFundMe page has been established to assist Myers' remaining family during this challenging time. Maritime horsepeople have also set up a PayPal fundraising account, and Saratoga Casino Hotel track photographer Jessica Hallett is selling t-shirts with all proceeds directed to the family.
On Friday, March 21, the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association announced details of a jog cart and race bike raffle fundraiser with all proceeds will going towards Hunter's family. Tickets are $10 per ticket, with the winner having the choice between tickets for the UFO racebike or the Pennsbury jog cart. To purchase a raffle ticket, contact MSOA Executive Director Dawnelle Mock at 724-470-8303. Winners will be picked on Meadows Live in May.
Financial contributions can also be issued directly to Chloe Fisher through Venmo.
Woodbine Mohawk Park announced on Friday that the driving colony will be pledging earnings to Myers' family.
“The passing of Hunter has hit close to home for all of us in the racing community,” said James MacDonald. “Hunter was a terrific person and we’re all heartbroken by this tragedy…it’s truly unimaginable.”
The Woodbine driving colony will be donating various amounts of their earnings from this weekend’s races to Myers’ family and are encouraging any owners and trainers that can support to make a pledge as well.
“Just like everyone else, all of us in the Mohawk driver’s room immediately wanted to support his fiancée, Chloe, and their son, Hayden, in any possible way. Our industry always steps up.”
Any owners and trainers that would like to donate are asked to contact the Mohawk Bookkeeper through email at [email protected].
Woodbine will also be donating to the family of Hunter Myers.
Woodbine Mohawk Park held a tribute and moment of silence for Myers ahead of Thursday’s first race. All drivers wore green armbands in memory of Myers and will continue to wear them over the course of the weekend.
On Friday, Standing Stallions, Abby Stables and Hagemeyer Farms announced they will be offering 10 total breedings to stallions Fear The Dragon, Branquinho, Force N Fury or Il Sogno Dream for a minimum donation of $500, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to Myers' fiancée and son. Abby Stables and Hagemeyer Farms will be donating all of the collection fees for these breedings and Standing Stallion will match the donation amounts paid for the breeding up to the advertised price of the 2025 stud fee. Standing Stallions will also match the donation from Abby Stables and Hagemeyer Farms.
Each donation entitles you to one breeding for the 2025 season. There is no live foal guarantee. The breedings are offered on a first come, first serve basis. For more information or to make a donation contact, Charles Taylor at 612-695-0055 or [email protected].
The Standardbred Owners Association of New York on Friday announced it authorized the payment of $5,000 to benefit Myers' son, hoping the contribution will motivate members of the New York racing community to assist the family in any way possible in the wake of their devastating loss.
A number of 2025 breedings with proceeds specified as directed to Myers' family are available for purchase on OnGait.
Should Standardbred Canada receive details on further efforts in support of Hunter Myers' family, those details will be added to this story.
(Standardbred Canada, with files from Woodbine; photos courtesy Chris Gooden, Conrad Photo, New Image Media)