As we move towards the second weekend of 2016, the after effects, the heavy hearts, the wide-range of emotions continue to consume all of us in Ontario horse racing. It has been remarkable the outpouring of support from all three Breeds of horses in the province. It is so very sad it had to happen in order for the thousands of hard working souls to display the passionate and dedication to each other, their horses and the industry to the public, but here it is.
Thoroughblog will rejoin Thoroughbred news on Saturday morning. For now, thoughts are with those 43 racehorses and the 3 miniature horses and their loving caretakers.
Hug and respect your horse today.
APPRENTICE HANOVER and CINDY ACTON – by Dave Landry
LIGHT VIGIL JANUARY 12
courtesy www.standardbredcanada.ca
In response to the enormous outpouring of grief and shock at the Classy Lane tragedy, by the entire equine community and beyond, a Light Vigil has been planned for Tuesday, January 12, 2016 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m in front of Classy Lane Training Centre.
This quiet, respectful gathering will provide an opportunity to honour and remember the 43 horses that perished so tragically and extend support to the owners, trainers and grooms whose lives have been so terribly affected.
In consideration of the nature of this tragedy and for safety sake, there will be NO FLAME of any kind at this gathering. Please bring flashlights and/or battery-operated candles. You are also invited to bring cards, flowers, letters and/or poems if you feel so inclined.
For those without something to illuminate, 180 electronic candles have been donated by Ideal Training Centre and Alec at Giant Tiger in Acton.
This is a free, respectful gathering. Donations will NOT be requested or accepted at this peaceful vigil so please do not hand over cash to anyone claiming to be fundraising. To make a donation, please visit to the GoFundMe page set up by COSA.
Washroom facilities will not be provided so please plan accordingly. There will be no food or beverages provided or for sale.
For the safety and respect of those attending, neighbours, and vehicles driving through the area, please follow the instructions of the OPP officers that will be present and any traffic/parking attendants. Carpooling is suggested if possible.
Photo taken Thursday by Renee Kierans
“They just want the chance to work with horses every day,” Jody Jamieson
TORONTO SUN FEATURE
CLASSY LANE TRAGEDY A BLOW TO RACING
Here are some wonderful quotes from the story by Steve Buffery who talked to Jody Jamieson (who drove millionaire Apprentice Hanover) – in response to some of the unfortunate comments that members of the public have been making on various sites:
“ A meal ticket? You’re telling me a horse that cost $30,000, that has four or five owners on it, who all chipped in, and raced for the last year – and I’m thinking of one horse in general – and made that $30,000 back, but in the meantime, it cost more for its feed and it’s hay and its stabling … they’re looking at it as a meal ticket?
The meal ticket is to be able to pay your mortgage and put food on your table and that’s as simple as it is. I’ve been very fortunate in this game, I’ve been surrounded by great people and great horses, but the majority of people haven’t been that lucky. And if you do get lucky and have a great horse like Apprentice Hanover, you cherish it.
“I’m in a state of mourning right now and I was just his driver,” the Truro, NS-born driver continued. “He had an owner, he had a trainer and he had young groom who loved this horse, who was with him from the first day when he arrived at Ben’s stable … I don’t know what I’m going to say to her. So it doesn’t bother me if people think it’s a meal ticket, but I invite the people who think that to come out to the farms and see what goes on day to day and make your own mind up…
“They just want the chance to work with horses every day,” – Jody Jamieson
read the story, watch a video from the memorial here:
http://www.torontosun.com/2016/01/07/classy-lane-fire-a-big-blow-to-horse-racing
