Walter ‘Wayne’ Elford Passes

Trot Insider has been informed that Ontario Standardbred horseman Walter ‘Wayne’ Elford passed away peacefully at Matthews House Hospice Alliston, Ont. on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at the age of 77.

Wayne is the beloved husband of Darlene Elford (nee: Arnott). Loving father of Karen Elford and Krista Elford (Gary). Devoted and loving grandfather of Jessie, and Reese. Predeceased by his brother Gary Elford (Linda). Sadly missed by his furry friend ‘Finn’ and all of his horses. Forever in the hearts of his extended family, dear friends, and ‘5th Line Neighbours.’

Wayne was born In Etobicoke, Ont. and worked at the Goodyear plant before joining the Etobicoke Fire Fighters Association in 1967. Wayne, who lived in the city until he got married, purchased his 10-acre Tottenham farm in 1974. Wayne retired in 2000 as District Chief of New Toronto Fire. He resided in Tottenham until his passing, and Darlene still owns the farm to this day.

Throughout the years, Wayne trained and even dabbled as a driver with Standardbred racehorses alongside his father, Walter ‘Curly’ Elford, and eventually his daughter, Krista. The majority of Wayne’s training and driving stats were produced in 1980s, and most came at ‘B’ tracks in the province, although some starts were at Woodbine, as well.

The Elfords’ farm features a small track in the back where family members have been able to jog and train their horses until they were almost ready for the track, then ship to the racetracks for schooling and qualifying.

The first horse that Wayne bought himself was Carmelcorn Bye Bye in 1981, and he later bought Golden Sham and raced him until he was 14 years of age. Wayne preferred the mares, of which Tara Van, Waterside Classy and Ballroom Lady were a few of his favourites. Ballroom Lady was honoured as claimer of the year in the last year that Orangeville Raceway was operating. The Elfords still have ‘Lady,’ who is 32 years young at this point.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Wayne’s Life will be held in the springtime at a day and time yet to be determined. Please check back at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com as details become available.

For those whom wish to do so, donations, can be made to the Matthews House Hospice in Alliston or the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society (OSAS).

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Wayne Elford.