On Sunday, July 23, Clinton Raceway will host the second annual Vic Hayter Memorial Trot for the late Stratford, Ont. resident, hotelier and harness horse owner, Vic Hayter.
The inaugural event, held in 2016, was the family’s way of honouring their late father, who always made time to come to Clinton, despite his busy career in the hotel business.
Hayter, who passed away in February of 2016 was an avid owner of Standardbreds for 38 years, and rarely missed a Sunday afternoon card at Clinton.
“When my father passed away early in 2016, my family and I were thinking of a way to commemorate his name and keep his memory alive.” states Vic's son, Greg Hayter. “It had to be something that matched the things he loved most in life. The three things he loved most were his work, his family and animals, specifically his love for dogs and horses. I knew that we couldn’t include work so I thought what better way to do this then to have a special day in his honour at his all time favourite racetrack involving family, horses and the Humane Society.
"So of this, the 1st annual Vic Hayter Memorial day at the races was born. My family and I have vowed to continue this tradition year after year in hopes that the day will only become bigger and better, year after year, all the while keeping the memory of Big Vic alive!”
The Hayter family will continue to keep his memory and his love of animals alive as they invite family, friends and the community to support the fundraiser for both the Stratford Perth Humane Society and the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society.
Raffle tickets are currently being sold for $5 each, and feature great prizes from both the Best Western Plus Arden Park Hotel in Stratford and the Four Points by Sheraton in London. The draw will be made at the track Sunday afternoon. A 50/50 and silent auction will also take place during the live race card, followed by a Pineridge Roast Beef BBQ. Tickets for the BBQ are $15, take-out is available and all the proceeds will go to both causes.
This year, the Baden Coffee Company will be participating in the day as well with a special blend of coffee named Hayter Reserve. It's a directly traded specialty coffee produced locally, right here in Ontario, paying tribute to Vic and his love for Standardbred horses and Cocker Spaniels. The Hayters are generously providing 300 free samples to fans following the first race on the card.
For those interested in taking part in the festivities, but would rather not drive, there is a bus leaving Stratford from the Best Western Plus Arden Park Hotel at 12:00 noon with a pick up at the ValuMart in Mitchell at 12:30 p.m. $25 will get you on the bus, a BBQ ticket and live race program. To book a space please call the front desk at the Best Western Plus Arden Park at 519-275-2936 as limited seats are still available.
As an addition for race fans, a miniature horse meet and greet will happen at the grandstand from 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. with an on-track exhibition race following race nine.
Live race post time for the 10-race card, including the $12,500 Vic Hayter Memorial Trot is set for 1:30 p.m.
(with files from Clinton)