Brad Forward knows the roller coaster that is life a little more intimately than most.
Returning to racing in 2012 and battling two accidents last year, his dedication to the sport is evident. He went on a hiatus, returning to Newfoundland to be with his family when his father, Bob, wasn’t well. Spending time on the Ontario circuit earlier this year, Forward returned East in June, racking up thirteen wins in only twenty-three drives.
This past Saturday rewarded Forward’s tireless commitment and love for harness racing. This reward came in the form of the coveted Gold Cup and Saucer and victory with Bigtown Hero.
“Rene (Allard) contacted my nephew who told my brother who called me. I thought he was just kidding! You never turn down a Gold Cup drive.”
Not only did Bigtown Hero claim victory with Forward at the lines, but the son of American Ideal paced a track and Canadian record equalling performance in the 55th running of PEI’s premier race. Bigtown Hero rallied wide through the final turn, sprinting home to edge out Wazzup Wazzup in 1:50.4.
“I knew I had a chance when he was in the centre of the stretch. He was game and as soon as I asked him, he was gone. People have been telling me that I looked emotionless as I went across the wire, but I was just stunned.”
Trainer Rene Allard was equally pleased with Forward’s drive, speaking to the media trackside after the race. Allard was confident in his choice of driver going into the main event, having worked with Brad in the past in Ontario.
Forward has been a trackside staple since the age of five, watching the Gold Cup and Saucer every year. As a child, he dreamed of one day owning a horse that would race in Charlottetown’s main event. Saturday took his childhood dream to a whole new level.
“I jumped at the chance just to be a part of it all. To win, I can’t even explain it; it’s so hard to describe how much it means to me. I thought it would be nice to just have one in it, but to drive and win was amazing.”
The phone calls have been pouring in since Forward's win, both in congratulations and amazement that Forward isn't racing west of Canada's east coast. Forward plans to return to the Ontario circuit in September in the hopes of continuing his winning ways. But for now, he will be basking in the moment of one incredible night.
(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Hannah Beckett; Photo courtesy Brian McInnis/The Guardian)