When Freehold Raceway kicks off its Fall meet on September 1, fans of harness racing were hopeful that Larry Lederman would return to the booth. Trot Insider has learned, unfortunately, that will not be the case
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"I just got back from the oncologist and the news was disappointing," said Lederman in an email sent Friday. "The tumour did not shrink whatsover. However, it did not grow, either. In 70 to 80 per cent of patients who have what I have, the tumor shrinks based on the treatment that I had. In my case, it did not happen."
In light of the news, Lederman informed Freehold that he would not be working for the remainder of the year, but the familiar and popular voice of Freehold, Atlantic City and Garden State Raceways remains optimistic as he will undergo a more rigourous treatment schedule starting next month.
"There is a Plan B. Beginning sometime in September I will be treated with 42 days straight of chemo and radiation concurrently, then the doctors will wait a month for the body to settle down and then a MRI will be taken.
"I will keep the same positive attitude I have had through this journey and I won't let cancer keep me down."
Well wishes and support has poured in for Lederman, who most recently made a special guest appearance at the Meadowlands on Saturday, August 13 as the track hosted the "Play 5 for Larry" benefit. The track donated all proceeds from $5 win bets to aid in Lederman's medical costs, raising over $10,000.
"I want to give my sincerest thanks to everyone and everybody who has been there for me whether through prayer, inspiration, love, donation and just plain human compassion," stated Lederman. "I need you all and keep fighting the fight with me and will give it my best."
Please join Standardbred Canada in wishing Larry Lederman a full recovery.
I would like to express my
I would like to express my deep admiration for a man well deserving of it. Larry Lederman is one of a kind and a great guy.
I attend Freehold races often and he by far is the best announcer. I know alot of people who attend the races at Freehold and are regulars. We enjoy Larry and his race calls and some of his funny comments. I recall two horses he would have the best time with, Djerriwarrh A and Wooloomooloo when they raced at Freehold.
I do wish Larry the best and look forward when he can return to the races next year.
Get Well Soon Larry. There are alot of people that miss you and wish you the best!!!
Sincerely,
Janelle Scherbik
Larry, You have my prayers
Larry, You have my prayers and support to help fight this fight! Besides your signature race calls, I am thankful for your support with any request I made no matter how challenging. For every idea I had to make an event more creative and personal-you said "yes" without any hesitation. Including the name of the groom and where they were from in the post parade for every horse in every race for my Groom's Day event was not easy but you did it and did it with style. You also allowed me to take owners, fans and their children up to your booth and even allowed them to announce the minutes to post which was a thrill for every single one. It's not the size of the purse that will bring back fans, it's the ability to make them feel excited about watching the races and converting that feeling into a desire to get more involved. You did just that with every race you called no matter how many or how few were in the stands...that is the sign of a true professional. Please keep us posted-we care about you! Nancy
Larry has the unique ability
Larry has the unique ability to call a race factually as well as injecting a touch of humour and often a big touch of it in his race call. To those of you who haven't heard it, his call of the fifth race at The Meadowlands on August 13 is a thing of genius - that unique genius that is Larry Lederman's alone.
Best wishes Larry, get well
Best wishes Larry, get well my friend, we are all rooting for you and we want to hear those great calls once again. Your enthusiasm, love of harness racing and the fantastic job you do, does not go unrecognized.
I cannot reiterate enough, that Larry, in my opinion and I am sure many others, bar none, is the best announcer this business has ever heard.
Heres a Larry classic for your enjoyment.
Gary Blackburn
What a courageous gentleman
What a courageous gentleman Mr. Lederman is. Our best wishes to him and his family in his fight against this terrible disease.