Fractional Owner Venture Announced

The term 'veteran leadership' will take on a different meaning for a group of new owners as a Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Famer has announced plans for a new fractional ownership group.

At the age of 92, Dr. Roly Armitage is not showing any signs of slowing down. The WW II veteran, who has worn nearly every hat in the harness racing industry over his career, has announced plans to revive a successful venture from his past by opening a stable to new partners in an effort to help promote the industry.

"It's a good idea, it gets new people involved," Armitage told Trot Insider. "I have a pretty good background, I'm pretty good at judging horses and buying them. I feel I have that ability."

In 2015, Armitage showed his keen eye for talent by obtaining trotting filly Janderson from the Canadian Yearling Sale. The daughter of Muscle Mass - Gracious Marla won three of eight rookie starts -- all wins at the Gold level of the Ontario Sires Stakes -- and banked $139,800.

That filly he owns in tandem with his son, James. But success with groups owning trotting fillies is nothing new to Armitage, who was also a part owner of Wendys Joker. From the first crop of Worthy Bowl to hit the track in 1985, Wendys Joker accomplished something rare at that time as an Ontario-Sired horse competing successfully on the Grand Circuit. She finished second to eventual divisional champion Britelite Lobell in the $627,250 Merrie Annabelle at The Meadowlands.

Similarly, Wendys Joker was owned at the time by a group of new owners that Armitage introduced to racing collectively known as the Ottawa Valley Horse Racing Stable. He's looking to get another group involved, and already has interest with seven owners lined up.

"I'm not in it for money, I'm in for the sport."