The Raceway at Western Fair District will have its 2015 Wall of Fame induction ceremony on Friday, May 15 and, for the first time, the prestigious honour will go to a horse rather than a human recipient.
The incomparable Camluck, who has long resided at Seelster Farms in nearby Lucan, Ont. will be honoured during a ceremony that night in recognition of his remarkable contributions both on the racetrack and as a sire.
The son of legendary Cam Fella became one of the fastest horses of his generation by virtue of his 1:48.4 time trial effort in 1992 at Lexington’s Red Mile. Over the course of his brilliant racing career, he earned more than $1 million while facing one of the very best older pacing crops of all-time that included the likes of Artsplace, Staying Together, Cambest, Silver Almahurst and Odds Against, just to name a few.
However, it was in the breeding shed, where Camluck made his greatest impact and stamped himself as one of the greatest pacing stallions in harness racing history. From 2,332 foals, Camluck produced just shy of 1,600 race winners and he retired recently with overall offspring earnings of $218,771,118. His average earnings per starter was $118,768 and he produced 28 starters who banked more than $1 million and 62 performers who took a record of 1:50 or better.
Wall of Fame Night will also feature the kick off race in this year’s Racing Under Saddle (RUS) series in Ontario. Fans will have a chance to watch and wager on the event as well as meet and greet with the riders and take part in the different promotions offered that night. The RUS series, sanctioned by the Ontario Racing Commission in 2014, is in its second full season in Ontario and has been growing in popularity. Visit rusontario.com for more details.
There will also be a pair of mini races scheduled that same night – one galloping and one gaited – as part of the fun.
The Raceway’s signature event, the $150,000 Molson Pace, is slated for Friday, May 29. Defending champion State Treasurer has recently qualified and is expected back in search of a first-ever Molson three-peat. The Molson Pace will once again be contested as an Invitational and more details on potential starters, along with the various promotions being planned, will be announced soon.
(Western Fair District)
Very well deserved
Very well deserved