Former Western New York harness drivers Gaston Guindon and Ed McNeight, Jr. were on hand at Buffalo Raceway on Saturday, July 16 to be inducted into the Upstate New York Harness Writers Association Hall Of Fame
. Chapter president Tim Bojarski, along with delegate Sam Pendolino presented these deserving candidates with a beautiful keepsake trophy to honour the occasion.
They now join last year’s inaugural group (Buddy Gilmour, Dave Vance, and Gerry Sarama) on the permanent wall, representing Buffalo Raceway, at Tioga Downs.
The night started out with an autograph session with Guindon and McNeight, Jr. joining current regular drivers Jack Flanigen and Ray Fisher upstairs in the clubhouse.
“It was so nice to see so many of the owners I used to drive for,” commented Guindon. “It takes a while to remember them all, but once we start talking, it all comes back to me”.
Longtime owner Paul Krol went up to the “Gas Man” and said, “Lakeshore Dolly.” The look on both of their faces was priceless. “Oh, she was such a tough mare to drive,” said Guindon. “She wore everything on her head, but nothing could calm her down. I fought with her the whole mile, but she always won,” he said with a laugh.
This is how the night went for both Guindon and McNeight, Jr., retelling old stories and loving every minute of it.
The fourth race on the card was won by Arm And A Leg (Kevin Cummings) which honoured the late turf writer Robert J. Summers, who passed away last year. Bob’s widow Sheila Summers was on hand to make a blanket presentation to the lucky connections.
In the Hall Of Fame race, Noble Maximus ($6.90) won in a season’s best 1:57, for owner David Phoenix. Piloted by reinsman Keith Kash, Jr., it was the second win this year for the seven-year-old Arturo gelding.
To top of a perfect night, all time Western New York favourite Michael Scores (Shawn McDonough) won the $10,000 Open Handicap Pace in 1:54.4 for owners Jim and Sandy Compton of East Bethany, New York. It was the third win this season for Michael Scores ($3.30), and the winning time established a new season’s mark.
(Buffalo Raceway)