January 1 of every year marks the retirement of those horses fortunate enough to race through to age 14. Tonight (Friday, Dec. 31), at The Raceway at the Western Fair District, in London, Ont., three of those iron-tough performers will be featured in the annual Auld Lang Syne event.
What is remarkable about this trio is that they have all raced for the same connections throughout their entire careers, which is a rarity.
The three pacers set for retirement are Ciona Bromach, Lawmen Reign and Leafs And Wings. The three veterans have more than 1,000 lifetime starts combined: 329, 332 and 415, respectively, and every one of those starts have been with the same trainer.
Ciona Bromach, a son of Peruvian Hanover, is owned by his breeder and trainer Debi Obrien-Moran, who is one of the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society’s most dedicated volunteers and an integral part of the popular Drive With Us program. Ciona Bromach will depart from the rail tonight.
Lawmen Reign has been conditioned throughout his career by co-owner Ross Battin, who shares ownership with his wife, Margaret. One of Ontario’s most consistent drivers for many years and a multiple Lampman Cup winner, Ross will be back in the bike for the final time behind Lawmen Reign, who will leave from post two.
Leafs And Wings, the richest of the three with over $566,000 in the bank, is owned by his breeder, Greg Rogers, and is trained by Greg's son Michael. A son of Rambaran, Leafs And Wings has post three in the $10,000 feature.
The Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society congratulates every 14-year-old Standardbred and their connections, and extends best wishes for a wonderful retirement. OSAS wishes a happy, healthy and safe New Year to all and a special note of thanks to everyone who supported OSAS’s 25th anniversary celebrations over the past year.
(Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society)