Sunday, February 15, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Weekly Review from January 26th to Febuary 2nd
Haas Returns After Five Year Hiatus
He’d tried his hand at a lawn care service company in Michigan and he’s currently working on a contract basis with the
Canadian Coast Guard from his home at Sarnia, ON. To hear Mark Haas tell it, he just couldn’t stay away any longer from horses and standardbred racing.
“It was an incredible feeling when I won my first start back in January with the one horse I have now, Its My Best” the 42 year old horseman says. “He’s drawn post one for Tuesday afternoon’s 6th race at Western Fair and he’s back in the same class after taking a life’s mark so we hope it all can work out again.”
The connection to Its My Best is a longer standing one for Haas than it would appear at first glance. Though he’s only had ownership of the four year old Cammibest-Its My Legacy pacer for a short while he previously owned the dam.
“I worked at Prince Lee Acres for almost five years until I resigned in 2004 to go on my own and try other things” Haas says. “I sold Its My Legacy to Tom Pond and now she’s owned by Joanne Crowston. I just got Its My Best late in 2008, he’d been racing in Sudbury last year for Mike Noble. He had a late start to his career but we hope his best racing is still ahead of him.”
“Mark is just a great guy and it’s terrific to see him back in racing” says his friend and former employer at Prince Lee Acres, Dan Clements, the well known reinsman now splitting his time between Ontario and Florida’s Pompano Park. “Mark was hired to handle the broodmares at Prince Lee Acres and he was there when my catch-driving career was taking off. He’s a most capable horseman and we even coached minor hockey together for three winters. He stepped up when we needed a trainer and folks in Ontario might best remember him for his biggest win. That was with Corinas Mission when she captured the $300,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Superfinal at Mohawk in November of 2002” Clements adds.
Clements also discloses that he’ll be returning home to drive in Ontario after the scheduled conclusion of the Pompano Park meet early in May. Earlier this decade Clements racked up a succession of third place finishes in Western Fair’s Molson Pace with Buckeye One and upon his 2009 return to Ontario he says he’s likely to focus on driving at Georgian Downs and Grand River Raceway.
“When I get back home to Ontario in May I’m certain that a stable I’m connected with, onlineharnessowner.com, will be looking to do business with Mark” Clements says. “All of the summer seasonal tracks over his way will be open. It’s just great to hear he’s back in racing again.”
In addition to 40 lifetime training wins, Mark Haas also has 21 driving wins to his credit.
“I have no designs on driving again, I’m leaving that to the professionals and I’m happy to get Alfie Carroll and Brad Forward” Haas added. “When racing is in your blood then it’s next to impossible to ever leave it for good. At this stage I suppose I’m the living proof of that with getting back into the game.”
Excellent Monday Ahead
The top four classes offered on the Monday afternoon program at Western Fair are filled to the brim.
In the 5th race Preferred Trot for $18,400, 8-5 morning line favoured status is assigned to post 2 starter Stonebridge Diablo.
The $541,000 career winner is sent out by Ron Waples Jr. with Ross Battin hired to drive.
In the 10th race Preferred-2 Pace for $12,800, post 8 starter Best By Far is of interest as 30 year old Kerry Brown of Clinton, ON gets his first lifetime training start. He’s also in search of his first lifetime driving win after making six starts in the bike in 2008.
In the 11th race Mares Preferred Pace for $15,200, A Fiesty Affair has been ordered to the outside post 7 handicap this week. In five London starts dating to last May 23rd in the OSS Gold Series, the four year old mare has racked up four wins and a runner-up finish. Brad Forward is listed to drive for trainer Casie Coleman and owner Robert Hamather.
The $18,400 Preferred Pace concludes the Monday fireworks in the 12th race. The field includes accomplished veterans such as Grand Bend Turbo (post 4, Mike Sumner), XLB Patrick (post 8, Doug McNair), Blissed Out (post 5, Brad Forward), and Oakley Seelster (post 1, Bruce Richardson).
The Monday afternoon program also kicks off ‘Freebie February’ at Western Fair. The coming week’s daily incentives at the track include a free Western Fair program (Monday), free pizza slices (Tuesday), and bonus points for player rewards club members (Friday).
Awards Banquet Booking Deadline
Tickets for the 31st annual Western Fair Raceway Awards Banquet are still available in limited supply at $35 per person at guest services and the race office, or by calling Western Fair toll free 1.800.619.4629 Ext. 320.
The early booking incentive ends by Tuesday allowing for tables of eight to be purchased for $200.
Through June, post time at Western Fair each Monday and Tuesday afternoon is 3:35 p.m. and every Friday evening at 7:05 p.m.
-Frank Salive
He’d tried his hand at a lawn care service company in Michigan and he’s currently working on a contract basis with the
Canadian Coast Guard from his home at Sarnia, ON. To hear Mark Haas tell it, he just couldn’t stay away any longer from horses and standardbred racing.
“It was an incredible feeling when I won my first start back in January with the one horse I have now, Its My Best” the 42 year old horseman says. “He’s drawn post one for Tuesday afternoon’s 6th race at Western Fair and he’s back in the same class after taking a life’s mark so we hope it all can work out again.”
The connection to Its My Best is a longer standing one for Haas than it would appear at first glance. Though he’s only had ownership of the four year old Cammibest-Its My Legacy pacer for a short while he previously owned the dam.
“I worked at Prince Lee Acres for almost five years until I resigned in 2004 to go on my own and try other things” Haas says. “I sold Its My Legacy to Tom Pond and now she’s owned by Joanne Crowston. I just got Its My Best late in 2008, he’d been racing in Sudbury last year for Mike Noble. He had a late start to his career but we hope his best racing is still ahead of him.”
“Mark is just a great guy and it’s terrific to see him back in racing” says his friend and former employer at Prince Lee Acres, Dan Clements, the well known reinsman now splitting his time between Ontario and Florida’s Pompano Park. “Mark was hired to handle the broodmares at Prince Lee Acres and he was there when my catch-driving career was taking off. He’s a most capable horseman and we even coached minor hockey together for three winters. He stepped up when we needed a trainer and folks in Ontario might best remember him for his biggest win. That was with Corinas Mission when she captured the $300,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Superfinal at Mohawk in November of 2002” Clements adds.
Clements also discloses that he’ll be returning home to drive in Ontario after the scheduled conclusion of the Pompano Park meet early in May. Earlier this decade Clements racked up a succession of third place finishes in Western Fair’s Molson Pace with Buckeye One and upon his 2009 return to Ontario he says he’s likely to focus on driving at Georgian Downs and Grand River Raceway.
“When I get back home to Ontario in May I’m certain that a stable I’m connected with, onlineharnessowner.com, will be looking to do business with Mark” Clements says. “All of the summer seasonal tracks over his way will be open. It’s just great to hear he’s back in racing again.”
In addition to 40 lifetime training wins, Mark Haas also has 21 driving wins to his credit.
“I have no designs on driving again, I’m leaving that to the professionals and I’m happy to get Alfie Carroll and Brad Forward” Haas added. “When racing is in your blood then it’s next to impossible to ever leave it for good. At this stage I suppose I’m the living proof of that with getting back into the game.”
Excellent Monday Ahead
The top four classes offered on the Monday afternoon program at Western Fair are filled to the brim.
In the 5th race Preferred Trot for $18,400, 8-5 morning line favoured status is assigned to post 2 starter Stonebridge Diablo.
The $541,000 career winner is sent out by Ron Waples Jr. with Ross Battin hired to drive.
In the 10th race Preferred-2 Pace for $12,800, post 8 starter Best By Far is of interest as 30 year old Kerry Brown of Clinton, ON gets his first lifetime training start. He’s also in search of his first lifetime driving win after making six starts in the bike in 2008.
In the 11th race Mares Preferred Pace for $15,200, A Fiesty Affair has been ordered to the outside post 7 handicap this week. In five London starts dating to last May 23rd in the OSS Gold Series, the four year old mare has racked up four wins and a runner-up finish. Brad Forward is listed to drive for trainer Casie Coleman and owner Robert Hamather.
The $18,400 Preferred Pace concludes the Monday fireworks in the 12th race. The field includes accomplished veterans such as Grand Bend Turbo (post 4, Mike Sumner), XLB Patrick (post 8, Doug McNair), Blissed Out (post 5, Brad Forward), and Oakley Seelster (post 1, Bruce Richardson).
The Monday afternoon program also kicks off ‘Freebie February’ at Western Fair. The coming week’s daily incentives at the track include a free Western Fair program (Monday), free pizza slices (Tuesday), and bonus points for player rewards club members (Friday).
Awards Banquet Booking Deadline
Tickets for the 31st annual Western Fair Raceway Awards Banquet are still available in limited supply at $35 per person at guest services and the race office, or by calling Western Fair toll free 1.800.619.4629 Ext. 320.
The early booking incentive ends by Tuesday allowing for tables of eight to be purchased for $200.
Through June, post time at Western Fair each Monday and Tuesday afternoon is 3:35 p.m. and every Friday evening at 7:05 p.m.
-Frank Salive
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Weekly Review from January 19th to January 25th
‘Turbo’ Is Rested And Ready
One of the best races thus far in 2009 at Western Fair Raceway looms on the Monday afternoon January 26 program in the 12th race Preferred Pace. A star studded field including Grand Bend Turbo has been assembled by Race Secretary and General Manager Ian Fleming for the $18,400 purse affair.
“He’s completely healthy and sound and has had a well deserved two month rest” says trainer and co-owner Jim Ainsworth of Sarnia of his career winner of $772,871. “Really for his entire career that’s the first so-called vacation that he’s had. To start out with this year we can ideally race him in London for three weeks. Longer term we’re going to try and have him peaking again for the Molson Pace on May 29”.
The Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series graduate earned a $70,000 cheque with the runner-up finish in the 2008 edition of the Molson Pace. Starting from London’s trailing post eight he was off at 12-1. Grand Bend Turbo followed the 25-1 upset winner Eagle Luck under the wire in Western Fair’s signature annual race last year.
“(Driver) Mike Sumner was really happy with the way he qualified on January 16” Ainsworth says of the Camluck-Sweet Meant To Be seven year old’s spin around London in 1:59.4 under a three second allowance. “The stablemate to Grand Bend Turbo, Bigmizndrstnding, is in the 11th race in London on Monday. He’s come back really well for his four year old season and looks like he’s going to be really nice horse for us too.”
In the Preferred Pace on Monday Grand Bend Turbo will be facing millionaire Our Lucky Killean (post 5), three year old colt pace track record holder Stormaway (post 6), top Michigan invader Armbro Billow (post 1) and the last time winner over this company Must Be Matt (post 7).
Ainsworth, 48, has trained 837 winners lifetime for over $10 million in purse earnings.
“We have some nice young horses we hope to bring out in 2009 but Grand Bend Turbo has set the standard high for them all in this stable” he says. “We’ll just put it this way. Grand Bend Turbo has raced great since he was a two year old. All of the young ones we’re starting with…they’d have to put together five or more great years to equal what Grand Bend Turbo has meant to us.”
Milestones Ahead
Heading into the final full week of January racing action at Western Fair driver Don McElroy and trainer George McClure are on the verge of personal milestones.
McElroy, 53, is within 7 victories of joining the 4,000 win club. The resident of Ingersoll, ON is a past champion of the Lampman Cup as leading driver in the Ontario Sires Stakes and he’s amassed over $18 million in purses over his career.
On the Friday, January 30 program at Western Fair trainer George McClure of Clinton, ON will mark the occasion of his 55th birthday. In 2008 George campaigned the City Of London Series champion My Secret Beau and quietly went about the business of one of his best career years as he sent out 48 winners from 288 starters for over $330,000 in purses.
Freebie February
Next month has been tabbed ‘Freebie February’ at Western Fair Raceway. Prizes and giveaways will be a highlight of all twelve programs next month at the London track. The promotion will kick off with a free race program giveaway on the Monday card of February 2. Betting vouchers, pizza slices, t-shirts, keychains, coffee and donuts, spin to win, and bonus player reward points will all be a part of the month long promotions during live racing.
Two special Sunday events are also planned.
A Pre Super Bowl Party is set for 1 p.m. on February 1 featuring prizes, giveaways, food specials and simulcasting from Woodbine and The Meadowlands.
Western Fair’s traditional Daytona 500 party in the Carousel Room is scheduled for February 15.
Through June, post time at Western Fair each Monday and Tuesday afternoon is 3:35 p.m. EST, and every Friday evening at 7:05 p.m. EST.
One of the best races thus far in 2009 at Western Fair Raceway looms on the Monday afternoon January 26 program in the 12th race Preferred Pace. A star studded field including Grand Bend Turbo has been assembled by Race Secretary and General Manager Ian Fleming for the $18,400 purse affair.
“He’s completely healthy and sound and has had a well deserved two month rest” says trainer and co-owner Jim Ainsworth of Sarnia of his career winner of $772,871. “Really for his entire career that’s the first so-called vacation that he’s had. To start out with this year we can ideally race him in London for three weeks. Longer term we’re going to try and have him peaking again for the Molson Pace on May 29”.
The Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series graduate earned a $70,000 cheque with the runner-up finish in the 2008 edition of the Molson Pace. Starting from London’s trailing post eight he was off at 12-1. Grand Bend Turbo followed the 25-1 upset winner Eagle Luck under the wire in Western Fair’s signature annual race last year.
“(Driver) Mike Sumner was really happy with the way he qualified on January 16” Ainsworth says of the Camluck-Sweet Meant To Be seven year old’s spin around London in 1:59.4 under a three second allowance. “The stablemate to Grand Bend Turbo, Bigmizndrstnding, is in the 11th race in London on Monday. He’s come back really well for his four year old season and looks like he’s going to be really nice horse for us too.”
In the Preferred Pace on Monday Grand Bend Turbo will be facing millionaire Our Lucky Killean (post 5), three year old colt pace track record holder Stormaway (post 6), top Michigan invader Armbro Billow (post 1) and the last time winner over this company Must Be Matt (post 7).
Ainsworth, 48, has trained 837 winners lifetime for over $10 million in purse earnings.
“We have some nice young horses we hope to bring out in 2009 but Grand Bend Turbo has set the standard high for them all in this stable” he says. “We’ll just put it this way. Grand Bend Turbo has raced great since he was a two year old. All of the young ones we’re starting with…they’d have to put together five or more great years to equal what Grand Bend Turbo has meant to us.”
Milestones Ahead
Heading into the final full week of January racing action at Western Fair driver Don McElroy and trainer George McClure are on the verge of personal milestones.
McElroy, 53, is within 7 victories of joining the 4,000 win club. The resident of Ingersoll, ON is a past champion of the Lampman Cup as leading driver in the Ontario Sires Stakes and he’s amassed over $18 million in purses over his career.
On the Friday, January 30 program at Western Fair trainer George McClure of Clinton, ON will mark the occasion of his 55th birthday. In 2008 George campaigned the City Of London Series champion My Secret Beau and quietly went about the business of one of his best career years as he sent out 48 winners from 288 starters for over $330,000 in purses.
Freebie February
Next month has been tabbed ‘Freebie February’ at Western Fair Raceway. Prizes and giveaways will be a highlight of all twelve programs next month at the London track. The promotion will kick off with a free race program giveaway on the Monday card of February 2. Betting vouchers, pizza slices, t-shirts, keychains, coffee and donuts, spin to win, and bonus player reward points will all be a part of the month long promotions during live racing.
Two special Sunday events are also planned.
A Pre Super Bowl Party is set for 1 p.m. on February 1 featuring prizes, giveaways, food specials and simulcasting from Woodbine and The Meadowlands.
Western Fair’s traditional Daytona 500 party in the Carousel Room is scheduled for February 15.
Through June, post time at Western Fair each Monday and Tuesday afternoon is 3:35 p.m. EST, and every Friday evening at 7:05 p.m. EST.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Weekly Review from January 12th to January 18th
McNair’s Rookie Season In TV, Internet Report
The precedent setting rookie season for driver Doug McNair has been chronicled in a London, Ontario television feature report which is now posted on the internet for worldwide viewing.
London’s A-TV team of Sports Director Norman James and reporter Brent Lale collaborated on the report which features footage and interviews taken during the New Year’s Eve program at Western Fair Raceway.
In 2008 while he was 18 years old, McNair’s first career win in the bike was marked last February 22 at Western Fair with pacing filly Eagle Kay. His career took another huge leap forward when he won the $300,000 Battle Of Waterloo at Grand River Raceway.
In the feature story which aired earlier this month on the London, Ontario TV station’s 6 p.m. newscast, Sports Director Norman James compares the upstart driver to London Knights junior hockey standout John Tavares who is expected to be the top pick in the 2009 NHL draft. McNair outlines his near term and longer term driving goals in the story and there are supporting interviews from Doug’s father Gregg and from Western Fair’s 2006 and 2008 driving champion, Brad Forward. The report also features Doug winning Western Fair’s Preferred-2 Pace with Cuban Seelster on the December 29 occasion of his 19th birthday.
To see the story on Doug McNair, and to visit the Western Fair internet page containing the TV station’s most recent feature stories from the London track, go to: www.youtube.com/user/westernfairraceway
The track’s youtube.com page is a creation of Western Fair’s race office assistant Courtney Yake, 18, who also assists with the press box teletimer and track photography operations.
One Month To Awards Night
It’s just a month until Western Fair Raceway will stage it’s 31st annual awards night in The Carousel Room on February 21 and a major incentive is being offered for early bookings of tables for eight.
The ticket price for the function is $35 per person, however tables for eight are offered at just $200 if booked by February 2.
The evening will include dinner, door prizes, DJ and dancing. Tickets and reservations can be made by calling Western Fair toll free at 1.800.619.4629 Extension 320. The local phone number for Western Fair is 519.438.7203.
This Could Be Big
One of the upcoming week’s most anticipated match-ups is set for the 12th race on the Tuesday afternoon program of January 20. Dan Megens sends out his promising four year old, Camythical, from post six in the $10,000 purse conditioned test. A top rival in the race is expected to be New York Sires Stakes graduate Professor Jeff in post seven, with Brad Forward named to drive by trainer Wayne Preszcator.
Through June, post time at Western Fair each Monday and Tuesday afternoon is 3:35 p.m. and every Friday night at 7:05 p.m.
The precedent setting rookie season for driver Doug McNair has been chronicled in a London, Ontario television feature report which is now posted on the internet for worldwide viewing.
London’s A-TV team of Sports Director Norman James and reporter Brent Lale collaborated on the report which features footage and interviews taken during the New Year’s Eve program at Western Fair Raceway.
In 2008 while he was 18 years old, McNair’s first career win in the bike was marked last February 22 at Western Fair with pacing filly Eagle Kay. His career took another huge leap forward when he won the $300,000 Battle Of Waterloo at Grand River Raceway.
In the feature story which aired earlier this month on the London, Ontario TV station’s 6 p.m. newscast, Sports Director Norman James compares the upstart driver to London Knights junior hockey standout John Tavares who is expected to be the top pick in the 2009 NHL draft. McNair outlines his near term and longer term driving goals in the story and there are supporting interviews from Doug’s father Gregg and from Western Fair’s 2006 and 2008 driving champion, Brad Forward. The report also features Doug winning Western Fair’s Preferred-2 Pace with Cuban Seelster on the December 29 occasion of his 19th birthday.
To see the story on Doug McNair, and to visit the Western Fair internet page containing the TV station’s most recent feature stories from the London track, go to: www.youtube.com/user/westernfairraceway
The track’s youtube.com page is a creation of Western Fair’s race office assistant Courtney Yake, 18, who also assists with the press box teletimer and track photography operations.
One Month To Awards Night
It’s just a month until Western Fair Raceway will stage it’s 31st annual awards night in The Carousel Room on February 21 and a major incentive is being offered for early bookings of tables for eight.
The ticket price for the function is $35 per person, however tables for eight are offered at just $200 if booked by February 2.
The evening will include dinner, door prizes, DJ and dancing. Tickets and reservations can be made by calling Western Fair toll free at 1.800.619.4629 Extension 320. The local phone number for Western Fair is 519.438.7203.
This Could Be Big
One of the upcoming week’s most anticipated match-ups is set for the 12th race on the Tuesday afternoon program of January 20. Dan Megens sends out his promising four year old, Camythical, from post six in the $10,000 purse conditioned test. A top rival in the race is expected to be New York Sires Stakes graduate Professor Jeff in post seven, with Brad Forward named to drive by trainer Wayne Preszcator.
Through June, post time at Western Fair each Monday and Tuesday afternoon is 3:35 p.m. and every Friday night at 7:05 p.m.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Weekly Review from January 5th to January 11th
The Amazing Travels Of Stephen P. Lees
When Lyons Ruby crossed the wire first at Western Fair Raceway in the third race on January 6 driver Stephen Lees of Wales made Canada his latest addition to the long list of countries world wide where he’s won a race.
“By my count that makes it at least twelve countries that I’ve driven a winning horse in” the 50 year old horseman said in a post race trackside live TV interview. “Along with Wales and Great Britain, I’ve won races over my career in Ireland, Sweden, Germany, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and now Canada” he declared to the on-track and simulcast audience last Tuesday afternoon in London. "I feel very fortunate to have my health, this career and for the chance to race here. I don't think you could find many drivers that could say they've won races in a dozen different countries 'round the world."
Lees, along with his wife and four children aged 4 through 16 settled in Ontario about two months ago into a permanent home at Harley, ON, west of Toronto and nearby to Flamboro Downs and Mohawk Racetrack.
A substantial portion of his travels have been part and parcel of being chosen as the United Kingdom representative to the World Driving Championships on three occasions. One of his favourite anecdotes involves USA driver Dave Magee of Chicago.
“A lot of people on first sight think I’m a good size to be a jockey but I’m just a little too heavy for that now” he says. “Because I’m not very tall there have been some countries where the race bikes didn’t suit me well at all. That was the case in 1997 in Germany. The stirrups weren't right and I had to lay back almost flat. I could barely see the horse I was driving and little else around me. I caused an accident which tore the bike right off the horse that Dave Magee of the United States was driving. It was frightening at the time but he did forgive me for it. Now that I’m in North America I hope our paths can cross again and I’m sure we’ll have a good laugh about it.”
Lees first tour of service in Canada dates to 1975. At age 17 he had tenures as a groom for Tom Artandi and Wes Coke and recalls living in the same dormitory as accomplished Canadian reinsman Steve Condren at the time they were both just starting out.
It was quite a jubilant sight trackside at Western Fair after Lyons Ruby and Lees won easily from the front end last Tuesday. His wife and all four children were out trackside to attend in the photo and help with the horse. Lees says his oldest child, James, turned 16 yesterday and wasted no time in getting his Ontario Racing Commission grooms’ license on the very date of the birthday which made him eligible for it.
“This is truly a family affair, we’ve put them all to work and they know their roles well” Lees explains. “Thanks to Geoffrey Lyons we’re getting this chance to live and race in Canada. Geoffrey is the primary owner I worked for back in Wales for fifteen years and he’s building this training centre here in Ontario on 100 acres. We have a great neighbour in Wayne Langille that’s helped me a lot. Right now I have only six horses including the two I’m currently racing, Lyons Ruby and Rocket Tempo, but when the new barn and house are finished then you’ll see things really get busy around here. And I hope folks in Ontario soon see more of me at the tracks and in the winner's circle too."
Awards Night Set For February 21
The 31st Annual Awards Banquet for Western Fair Raceway is set for Saturday, February 21 in the Carousel Room.
The evening will include a buffet dinner, door prizes, DJ and dancing. Tickets are $35 per person or $200 for a table of eight if booked by February 2.
Reservations can be made by contacting extension 320 at Western Fair. The toll free number is 1.800.619.4629.
New Filly and Mare Stakes Race
A February 15th nomination deadline has been established by Race Secretary and General Manager Ian Fleming for the new Forest City Pace at Western Fair.
The Filly and Mare Open Pace will have eliminations on October 10, 2009 for $18,000 each. The $150,000 added final will be on October 17. The nomination fee is $750. Forms can be accessed at http://www.westernfair.com/ in the ‘Raceway & Slots’ section under ‘upcoming stakes’.
J. Gary Keays Back In The Bike
Former horseman and Ontario Racing Commission judge Gary Keays, 62, has dusted off his driving suit. He suited up to drive at Western Fair on January 9 in a pair of qualifying races.
Under a two second allowance, Keays guided Bear Creek Baron to a fifth place finish in 2:07.3 and Fee FFA to a sixth place clocking of 2:07. Both are trained by William Bannister of Denfield, ON.
Driving horses in frigid temperatures is certainly nothing new for Keays. In the press boxes at many Ontario tracks over the term of his judging career Keays recited many anecdotes of competing in temperatures approaching -40 in winter meets at Assinaboia Downs in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Keays is a resident of Ailsa Craig, ON, the same hometown made famous by John and Jim Campbell, their parents, and by Canada's only NASCAR winning driver, Earl Ross. Keays also donates of his time in civic duty to help promote and stage the "Gala Days and Turtle Races" there each Summer.
Ohio’s Hanners Now Here
A well known name from the Buckeye State has brought his driving suit to Ontario to compete this Winter. Brad Hanners, 36, of Chillicothe, Ohio is listed for three drives on the Monday afternoon card at Western Fair.
For trainer Shannon Wonson, Hanners will drive 1st race starter Armbro Birthstone and 9th race entrant Whitesand Scarlet.
For trainer Andy Hardy, Hanners has been hired to pilot New Dice Please from post seven in the $18,400 purse Preferred Trot in the 7th race.
In 2008 from over 1,400 drives, Hanners won 162 times for purses of almost $1.7 million. Lifetime, Hanners has won 3,875 races and he’ll soon surpass $30 million in lifetime driving purses.
Other features on the Monday afternoon program at Western Fair are the 10th race Mares Preferred Pace for a $15,200 purse, as Dangerous Years in post seven is morning line 2-1 choice; the $18,400 purse Preferred Pace in the 12th race concludes the card with post four starter Shadywood Baron looking to repeat his off the pace winning form from Boxing Day as the 2-1 early favourite in the evenly matched field of veterans.
Through June, Monday and Tuesday afternoon post time at Western Fair is 3:35 p.m. and Friday evening programs convene at 7:05 p.m.
The 2009 Molson Pace Championship night has been set for Friday, May 29. The nomination fee of $1,000 is due February 15.
--Frank Salive
When Lyons Ruby crossed the wire first at Western Fair Raceway in the third race on January 6 driver Stephen Lees of Wales made Canada his latest addition to the long list of countries world wide where he’s won a race.
“By my count that makes it at least twelve countries that I’ve driven a winning horse in” the 50 year old horseman said in a post race trackside live TV interview. “Along with Wales and Great Britain, I’ve won races over my career in Ireland, Sweden, Germany, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and now Canada” he declared to the on-track and simulcast audience last Tuesday afternoon in London. "I feel very fortunate to have my health, this career and for the chance to race here. I don't think you could find many drivers that could say they've won races in a dozen different countries 'round the world."
Lees, along with his wife and four children aged 4 through 16 settled in Ontario about two months ago into a permanent home at Harley, ON, west of Toronto and nearby to Flamboro Downs and Mohawk Racetrack.
A substantial portion of his travels have been part and parcel of being chosen as the United Kingdom representative to the World Driving Championships on three occasions. One of his favourite anecdotes involves USA driver Dave Magee of Chicago.
“A lot of people on first sight think I’m a good size to be a jockey but I’m just a little too heavy for that now” he says. “Because I’m not very tall there have been some countries where the race bikes didn’t suit me well at all. That was the case in 1997 in Germany. The stirrups weren't right and I had to lay back almost flat. I could barely see the horse I was driving and little else around me. I caused an accident which tore the bike right off the horse that Dave Magee of the United States was driving. It was frightening at the time but he did forgive me for it. Now that I’m in North America I hope our paths can cross again and I’m sure we’ll have a good laugh about it.”
Lees first tour of service in Canada dates to 1975. At age 17 he had tenures as a groom for Tom Artandi and Wes Coke and recalls living in the same dormitory as accomplished Canadian reinsman Steve Condren at the time they were both just starting out.
It was quite a jubilant sight trackside at Western Fair after Lyons Ruby and Lees won easily from the front end last Tuesday. His wife and all four children were out trackside to attend in the photo and help with the horse. Lees says his oldest child, James, turned 16 yesterday and wasted no time in getting his Ontario Racing Commission grooms’ license on the very date of the birthday which made him eligible for it.
“This is truly a family affair, we’ve put them all to work and they know their roles well” Lees explains. “Thanks to Geoffrey Lyons we’re getting this chance to live and race in Canada. Geoffrey is the primary owner I worked for back in Wales for fifteen years and he’s building this training centre here in Ontario on 100 acres. We have a great neighbour in Wayne Langille that’s helped me a lot. Right now I have only six horses including the two I’m currently racing, Lyons Ruby and Rocket Tempo, but when the new barn and house are finished then you’ll see things really get busy around here. And I hope folks in Ontario soon see more of me at the tracks and in the winner's circle too."
Awards Night Set For February 21
The 31st Annual Awards Banquet for Western Fair Raceway is set for Saturday, February 21 in the Carousel Room.
The evening will include a buffet dinner, door prizes, DJ and dancing. Tickets are $35 per person or $200 for a table of eight if booked by February 2.
Reservations can be made by contacting extension 320 at Western Fair. The toll free number is 1.800.619.4629.
New Filly and Mare Stakes Race
A February 15th nomination deadline has been established by Race Secretary and General Manager Ian Fleming for the new Forest City Pace at Western Fair.
The Filly and Mare Open Pace will have eliminations on October 10, 2009 for $18,000 each. The $150,000 added final will be on October 17. The nomination fee is $750. Forms can be accessed at http://www.westernfair.com/ in the ‘Raceway & Slots’ section under ‘upcoming stakes’.
J. Gary Keays Back In The Bike
Former horseman and Ontario Racing Commission judge Gary Keays, 62, has dusted off his driving suit. He suited up to drive at Western Fair on January 9 in a pair of qualifying races.
Under a two second allowance, Keays guided Bear Creek Baron to a fifth place finish in 2:07.3 and Fee FFA to a sixth place clocking of 2:07. Both are trained by William Bannister of Denfield, ON.
Driving horses in frigid temperatures is certainly nothing new for Keays. In the press boxes at many Ontario tracks over the term of his judging career Keays recited many anecdotes of competing in temperatures approaching -40 in winter meets at Assinaboia Downs in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Keays is a resident of Ailsa Craig, ON, the same hometown made famous by John and Jim Campbell, their parents, and by Canada's only NASCAR winning driver, Earl Ross. Keays also donates of his time in civic duty to help promote and stage the "Gala Days and Turtle Races" there each Summer.
Ohio’s Hanners Now Here
A well known name from the Buckeye State has brought his driving suit to Ontario to compete this Winter. Brad Hanners, 36, of Chillicothe, Ohio is listed for three drives on the Monday afternoon card at Western Fair.
For trainer Shannon Wonson, Hanners will drive 1st race starter Armbro Birthstone and 9th race entrant Whitesand Scarlet.
For trainer Andy Hardy, Hanners has been hired to pilot New Dice Please from post seven in the $18,400 purse Preferred Trot in the 7th race.
In 2008 from over 1,400 drives, Hanners won 162 times for purses of almost $1.7 million. Lifetime, Hanners has won 3,875 races and he’ll soon surpass $30 million in lifetime driving purses.
Other features on the Monday afternoon program at Western Fair are the 10th race Mares Preferred Pace for a $15,200 purse, as Dangerous Years in post seven is morning line 2-1 choice; the $18,400 purse Preferred Pace in the 12th race concludes the card with post four starter Shadywood Baron looking to repeat his off the pace winning form from Boxing Day as the 2-1 early favourite in the evenly matched field of veterans.
Through June, Monday and Tuesday afternoon post time at Western Fair is 3:35 p.m. and Friday evening programs convene at 7:05 p.m.
The 2009 Molson Pace Championship night has been set for Friday, May 29. The nomination fee of $1,000 is due February 15.
--Frank Salive
Monday, January 5, 2009
Weekly Review From December 29th to January 5th
Wales Driving Champion Moves To Ontario
The 3rd race at Western Fair on the Tuesday afternoon program of January 6 will be of special interest as 50 year old horseman Stephen P. Lees of Wales will be in the bike with pacing mare Lyons Ruby.
“We’ve just moved to Canada within the past month and so far I just love it here,” Lees says from his home at Harley, ON, west of Toronto and not far from Mohawk Racetrack and Flamboro Downs. “It was a big decision but it’s been in the planning stages for quite a while. The primary owner I work for, Geoffrey Lyons, sold almost 40 head a month ago in Wales to clear the way for us to come over.”
Though he is from Wales in the United Kingdom, Lees could be a name familiar to many in industry circles.
“I was the top driver in Wales for many years running and I represented the U.K. three times in the World Driving Championships” he adds. “I’ve travelled a lot. The first time I worked in Canada was in 1975 when I was 17 years old for Tom Artandi and Wes Coke. During that time I shared a place in the grooms’ dormitory with Steve Condren. And in 1990 on a trip to Pompano to visit my great friend Bud Foster, I won five straight races that I drove in there.”
At Western Fair on Tuesday he’ll team the 8-5 morning choice Lyons Ruby from post four in the third race. He’s also taken over training duties of the four year old Mach Three-Timeless Classic mare that won 7 times from 16 starts in 2008. Her life’s mark of 1:55.1 was taken in an Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots event at Kawartha Downs last October 7. In his debut in Canada on December 30 at Georgian Downs Lees certainly made his presence known. He ventured first over in the final of the second race on that program and almost won with pacer Rocket Tempo.
“Some people back in Wales think I’m quite mad for coming here just in time for the Canadian winter but I just love it here” Lees says. “I’ve followed the racing here all my life. It’s a real dream come true to come here with the chance to make a good living. I’m going to do all I can to be a success.”
Upstart Driver McNair In TV Feature
A-TV in London had a sports department camera rolling at Western Fair during the New Year’s Eve program last Wednesday. Reporter Brent Lale focused on 19 year old driver Doug McNair.
“We’re going to air the feature report on Doug on the 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts on Monday, January 5” says Lale. “Interviewing Doug, I found he was very humble about accomplishing over 100 wins and over $1 million in purses in his first year driving as an 18 year old. Plus the story will have some interesting supporting quotes from his father Gregg and from Brad Forward, who was the 2006 and 2008 driving champion at Western Fair” Lale added.
The London, ON TV station is seen across Southern and Midwest Ontario and the story will be posted on youtube.com for worldwide viewing after the Monday broadcasts.
New Post Time Rollout
The Monday and Tuesday programs of January 5 and 6 feature the new post time rollout at Western Fair of 3:35 p.m., one half hour later than had been the case in 2008 for the Monday and Tuesday cards.
Friday evening post time remains the same at 7:05 p.m. eastern.
In Monday’s $18,400 Preferred Trot in the 6th race, the 2-1 morning line choice is Admirals Quest in post four with Brad Forward declared to drive by trainer Richard Moreau. The $18,400 Preferred Pace is set for the 12th race where trailing post eight entrant Pacific Oak is the 2-1 early line favourite for owners Shirley and Kerry House of St. Jacobs, ON and trainer-driver Ken Oliver.
--Frank Salive
The 3rd race at Western Fair on the Tuesday afternoon program of January 6 will be of special interest as 50 year old horseman Stephen P. Lees of Wales will be in the bike with pacing mare Lyons Ruby.
“We’ve just moved to Canada within the past month and so far I just love it here,” Lees says from his home at Harley, ON, west of Toronto and not far from Mohawk Racetrack and Flamboro Downs. “It was a big decision but it’s been in the planning stages for quite a while. The primary owner I work for, Geoffrey Lyons, sold almost 40 head a month ago in Wales to clear the way for us to come over.”
Though he is from Wales in the United Kingdom, Lees could be a name familiar to many in industry circles.
“I was the top driver in Wales for many years running and I represented the U.K. three times in the World Driving Championships” he adds. “I’ve travelled a lot. The first time I worked in Canada was in 1975 when I was 17 years old for Tom Artandi and Wes Coke. During that time I shared a place in the grooms’ dormitory with Steve Condren. And in 1990 on a trip to Pompano to visit my great friend Bud Foster, I won five straight races that I drove in there.”
At Western Fair on Tuesday he’ll team the 8-5 morning choice Lyons Ruby from post four in the third race. He’s also taken over training duties of the four year old Mach Three-Timeless Classic mare that won 7 times from 16 starts in 2008. Her life’s mark of 1:55.1 was taken in an Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots event at Kawartha Downs last October 7. In his debut in Canada on December 30 at Georgian Downs Lees certainly made his presence known. He ventured first over in the final of the second race on that program and almost won with pacer Rocket Tempo.
“Some people back in Wales think I’m quite mad for coming here just in time for the Canadian winter but I just love it here” Lees says. “I’ve followed the racing here all my life. It’s a real dream come true to come here with the chance to make a good living. I’m going to do all I can to be a success.”
Upstart Driver McNair In TV Feature
A-TV in London had a sports department camera rolling at Western Fair during the New Year’s Eve program last Wednesday. Reporter Brent Lale focused on 19 year old driver Doug McNair.
“We’re going to air the feature report on Doug on the 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts on Monday, January 5” says Lale. “Interviewing Doug, I found he was very humble about accomplishing over 100 wins and over $1 million in purses in his first year driving as an 18 year old. Plus the story will have some interesting supporting quotes from his father Gregg and from Brad Forward, who was the 2006 and 2008 driving champion at Western Fair” Lale added.
The London, ON TV station is seen across Southern and Midwest Ontario and the story will be posted on youtube.com for worldwide viewing after the Monday broadcasts.
New Post Time Rollout
The Monday and Tuesday programs of January 5 and 6 feature the new post time rollout at Western Fair of 3:35 p.m., one half hour later than had been the case in 2008 for the Monday and Tuesday cards.
Friday evening post time remains the same at 7:05 p.m. eastern.
In Monday’s $18,400 Preferred Trot in the 6th race, the 2-1 morning line choice is Admirals Quest in post four with Brad Forward declared to drive by trainer Richard Moreau. The $18,400 Preferred Pace is set for the 12th race where trailing post eight entrant Pacific Oak is the 2-1 early line favourite for owners Shirley and Kerry House of St. Jacobs, ON and trainer-driver Ken Oliver.
--Frank Salive
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