A true Canadian harness racing icon was celebrated in fitting fashion on Friday evening, May 15 as So Much More was officially inducted into The Raceway at Western Fair District’s prestigious Wall of Fame, cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s most accomplished and beloved mares.
The ceremony brought together owners, connections, racing enthusiasts and community members to honour a mare whose career success and enduring popularity have left an indelible mark on both the local racing scene and the national stage.
Owned by Don Beatson, along with his son Kenn and grandson Cole England, So Much More has become a remarkable success story. Originally a modest purchase out of Atlantic Canada, she quickly rose through the ranks after arriving in Ontario, capturing the hearts of fans and earning widespread recognition for her consistency, grit and class. Over time, she became affectionately known across the country as “Canada’s Queen.”
On the racetrack, So Much More delivered a career worthy of the highest honours including 79 career wins – many in the Preferred ranks at Woodbine Mohawk Park – $1.86 million in earnings and a race record of 1:49.1. Among her many achievements, the Big Jim-Ladysai mare etched her name into local history by winning the Forest City Pace – London’s signature race for pacing mares – on two occasions, showcasing her dominance on the half-mile oval at The Raceway. Her excellence extended well beyond regional success, as she was twice recognized with the O’Brien Award as Canada’s Older Pacing Mare of the Year, underscoring her standing among the nation’s elite Standardbreds.
Friday’s celebration was highlighted by the unveiling of So Much More’s official Wall of Fame photograph, a permanent tribute to her remarkable accomplishments and connection to The Raceway. The evening also featured a major announcement that further cements her legacy in London racing history.
Beginning in 2027, the Forest City Pace will be renamed ‘The So Much More’ in her honour. A new race logo, unveiled during the ceremony, reflects her impact on the event and ensures that her name will be synonymous with one of the track’s marquee races for generations to come.
“This is a truly special moment for everyone involved and she will now join the late, great Camluck with a signature event at The Raceway named in her honour,” said Greg Blanchard, The Raceway’s Director of Equine Programming. “So Much More represents everything that is great about harness racing – heart, determination and a deep connection with fans. Renaming the Forest City Pace in her honour ensures that her legacy will continue well into the future.”
For the Beatson family and England, the recognition is a deeply meaningful milestone in a journey that began with humble expectations and grew into one of the most celebrated careers in Canadian racing.
So Much More’s induction not only celebrates her extraordinary achievements on the track but also her role as an ambassador for the sport – one whose story continues to resonate across the industry and beyond.
Friday evening’s $15,000 Wall of Fame Pace was captured by Logan Behold, who led gate-to-wire for driver Sam Fillion, stopping the clock in a sparkling 1:54.4. It was the third win this season and 18th lifetime for the five-year-old All Bets Off-St Lads Peeper gelding, who is owned by trainer Jamie Copley and Kimberly Eaton.
The 2026 Prospect Series began on Friday with Ontario-sired three-year-old trotters competing in three $8,000 divisions. Fillion teamed up with trainer Jean-Francois Maguire to sweep the colt & gelding divisions with last year's Prospect champ Silver Detector winning in 2:03.3 and Super Green scoring in 2:02.2. The same connections sent out heavy favourite Silver Pride in the filly division by she was thwarted by the John Curran-trained Thwarter, who prevailed by a nose in 1:59.1 in a 33-1 upset coordinated by driver Brady Galliers.
Live harness racing resumes at The Raceway with a 13-race program this Monday evening. The meet will wrap up on Camluck Classic night on Friday, May 29.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Western Fair Raceway.
(With files from Western Fair District)