On a day in which the elite gather in small town Ontario to celebrate some of the greatest drivers in the sport, Clinton Raceway will help remember two legends that have passed.
As part of its Legends Day celebrations on Sunday, September 6, Clinton Raceway will pay tribute to driving legends Jim Doherty and Buddy Gilmour with a memorial race and blanket presentations following Race 7.
Doherty was inducted into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York in 2003. He was also a member of the New England Harness Writers Hall of Fame, New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, and the Saint John Sports Hall of Fame. Known as a true gentleman and consistent producer of top racehorses, Doherty remained active in harness racing, driving winners up until 2013 and was an integral part of Legends Day from 2003 on.
Buddy Gilmour, a native of Lucan, Ont. who began driving horses in the ‘50s, captured his first race at Toronto’s Dufferin Park in 1952. He went on to become one of the sport’s most sought-after reinsmen. Gilmour, who celebrated 5,381 wins and hauled in more than $44 million in purse earnings throughout his career, was the regular pilot behind a number of magnificent performers, including the likes of On The Road Again, Stienam and Millers Scout, just to name a few. Gilmour actively participated in the inaugural event in 2001 and again in 2003, returning as a guest through 2009.
Clinton Raceway will feature another memorial race during the live card. Lorenzo Lamarra, a longtime employee of United Tote and a fixture at Clinton Raceway during the summer meet, passed away suddenly this winter. He's sadly missed and fondly remembered by the staff and patrons at Clinton Raceway.
(With files from Clinton)