The photo of beautiful 10-year-old grey gelding Grimsby was selected as the cover photo for the 2019 Heart of Harness Racing calendar, and is the feature photo for August. The image was taken and submitted by Fredericton photographer, Tammy Webb.
As no one in our industry will ever forget, it was in August one year ago that Grimsby’s part owner, Constable Sara Burns, was struck down in the line of duty while answering a call. Grimsby, led by trainer and co-owner Stefan DeCourcey, trailed her casket in the regimental funeral in the days that followed and retired in his final race on August 25, 2018 at Saint John's Exhibition Park Raceway.
“When thinking about sending photos in for the 2019 Heart of Harness Racing calendar, I wondered where to start with the thousands of pictures I have from this race season,” Tammy explained. “I started running each race through my mind to see if anything stood out and then it hit me - Grimsby's retirement and the memorial race for his part owner, fallen police officer, Constable Sara Burns.”
Todd Trites with Grimsby the day he retired at Exhibition Park Raceway
The photo shows driver Todd Trites leading Grimsby from the paddock for the final time with Grimsby wearing a saddle pad with number 401; Sara's regimental number.
The pain is obvious on Trites' face in the photo and the sadness of the occasion is evident.
“Before the race, driver Todd Trites walked Grimsby by the waiting crowd for kids and adults to say their goodbyes, it was an emotional day for everyone. You could see in Grimsby's eyes there was something different, he could feel our pain,” Tammy expressed. “He didn't win but he came in a close second and raced big that day. After the race, Sara's husband, Steven, walked Grimsby to the winner's circle for the final time, and I overheard a fan say to Steven as she shook his hand, 'Thank you for sharing him with us one last time.'”
For many of us involved in harness racing we look forward to the big wins, the thrill of getting a young horse to the winner's circle for the first time, a first stakes race win, or seeing young people continue in an industry that has flowed through their blood for generations. But this day wasn't about any of those things. It was about celebrating a dedicated police officer whose life was taken far too soon, responding to reports of a shooting even after her shift had finished. The day was about celebrating Grimsby, a horse she loved.
Todd Trites & Grimsby warming up before his final race (Photo by Tammy Webb)
“To me, that day was the heart of harness racing,” Tammy stated. “We came together to support the Burns family, to honour Sara's memory, to shed a tear for a wonderful woman who was taken far too soon, and to share our memories of her. We did it together because that is what we do -- we support one another when times are tough.”
To further the industry’s support, Standardbred Canada offered Tammy calendars to sell in New Brunswick, with proceeds from the calendar sales being donated to the Sara Burns Police Memorial Fund, the charity established in her name.
Tammy Webb presenting cheque to Steven Burns
Tammy grew up with a love for horses and photography which got her involved in harness racing, so she instantly jumped at the opportunity to sell the calendars.
“When I heard that my photo was chosen for the calendar and that Standardbred Canada was allowing us to take the money raised from sales of calendars in New Brunswick to be donated to the Sara Burns’ Memorial Fund, I was beyond touched. I was thrilled to present Steven Burns with a cheque for $1,040 for Sara's fund on behalf of all the people who purchased the calendars. Thank you, Standardbred Canada, for allowing us to do this.”
Grimsby is now enjoying his retirement that includes weekly trail rides, nightly treats, neck scratches, and rolling in the mud. “He also has another horse friend to kick up his heels with in the pasture. He is one very spoiled horse.”
Enjoying retirement, Grimsby with his new family. Photo taken by Lion Art Studios
Standardbred Canada would like to thank Tammy for distributing the calendars across New Brunswick.
To hold onto the memory of Sara, Fredericton Raceway will be hosting one race card this year on September 8 and will be holding a race that day in Sara's memory.