Track record set in Vic Hayter Memorial

Power And Grace (Holiday Road) completed the sweep of the Clinton Raceway signature trots by capturing the 7th Annual Vic Hayter Memorial despite scorching hot temperatures. An enthusiastic harness racing crowd lined the rail for 10 dashes on Sunday, August 7th.

After capturing the $15,000 Legends Day Trot earlier this season, Power And Grace returned to the Huron County oval to capture the Vic Hayter Memorial, a race that eluded her twice before.

Driver Brett MacDonald sent the 7-year-old mare off the gate to establish an early lead. Power And Grace tripped the quarter mile teletimer in a blistering 27.4, the fastest opening quarter of the day.

After catching a second quarter breather, MacDonald accelerated the 2021 O’Brien Award finalist down the Clinton backstretch, reaching three quarters in 1:28.0.

First over challenger, Esquire, was not able to reach the wheel of the leader. Power And Grace’s lead widened as the field turned for home allowing 8-year-old veteran Scene A Magician to escape from the pocket. Power And Grace held off Scene A Magician to win by neck in a thrilling finish.

Power And Grace captured the $15,000 event in a track record time of 1:58.0, lowering the previous mark of 1:58.1 set in 2017. The Ronald MacDonald trainee surpassed $350,000 in career earnings with career win number 40.

Fans enjoyed a great day on track that included cotton candy, face painting, balloon animals and raffles. Well over $2,000 was raised for the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society. The race day was in memory of the great Vic Hayter. Vic Hayter owned many hotels but is perhaps best known for operating The Arden Park Hotel and Festival Inn in Stratford, Ont.

He passed away in 2016 at the age of 77 years of age. Managing his hotel business took up most waking hours, but Vic always made time for Clinton Raceway. He owned Standardbreds for 38 years.

Clinton Raceway returns to action on Sunday, August 14th for Harness the Hope Day and their annual wiener dog race. Racing action will get underway at 1:30 PM.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Eliott, for Clinton Raceway