Bella Palazzo wins the 2nd Annual Vic Hayter Memorial Trot. July 23rd, 2017. (Photo courtesy of the Clinton Raceway)Bella Palazzo wins the 2nd Annual Vic Hayter Memorial Trot. July 23rd, 2017. (Photo courtesy of the Clinton Raceway)
Midwestern

Bella Palazzo Wins Vic Hayter Memorial Trot

Clinton Raceway played host to the second annual Vic Hayter Memorial Trot on Sunday.

The stakes event honours the late Stratford Hotelier, avid Standardbred owner and lover of all animals.

The Hayter family were looking for a way to honour their late father and it seemed fitting to host a trot that incorporated a fundraiser for the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society as well as the Stratford Perth Humane Society.

“My family and I have vowed to continue this tradition year after year in hopes that the day will only become bigger and better, year after year, all the while keeping the memory of ‘Big Vic’ alive!” said son Greg Hayter.

Just over $5000 was raised for the two charities through a Beef BBQ, raffle, 50/50 and silent auction.

The Vic Hayter Memorial Trot was the final race of the 10 race card on Sunday afternoon and driver Bruce Richardson worked out a two-hole trip, after leaving from the rail, with his mount, the Mike Weller-trained Bella Palazzo.

Bella Palazzo, a six-year-old daughter of Tom Ridge, is owned by the Pod Stable LLC of Seven Hills, OH.

Also featured on the days card was a $4,000 Racing Under Saddle contest, and it was the Keith Jones-trained and Maggie Jones-ridden Pukka that took home the win for owner Lisa Heyden of Midhurst.

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