July 22, 2019 - “The Vic Hayter Memorial is the perfect way to honour our father. Combining his two passions, horses and dogs, and make a day out with family is the perfect way to keep his memory alive. Everyone works so hard to make this day a reality.
“We are grateful to have the opportunity to share this memorial day with the harness racing community and fans. My mother, brothers and I miss him immensely but on that day I feel he’s right there with us and that puts a smile on my face.” So noted Stephanie Hayter-Gaspari following yesterday’s fourth annual Hayter memorial honouring her late father, Vic Hayter, a long time horse owner and strong supporter of animal advocacy.
The warm afternoon at Clinton Raceway saw great deal of action on the track and off. Profits from the day’s auctions, 50/50 draw and raffle went in support of the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society and the Stratford-Perth Humane Society.
The Hayter family very generously gave funds to increase the purses on the race card, including the $15,000 Memorial race, by approximately 10 per cent, and gave all of the day’s caretakers a free lunch.
On track the featured race went to Sizzlen Hot Herbie with trainer Natasha Day at the lines. They wore down pacesetter Sicario and Alfie Carroll to take the top spot in 1:58.2. Sicario held on for second while All Out Henry held for third for Doug Brown. Day leases the five-year-old gelding by Here Comes Herbie who was notching his second win in nine tries this year.