The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame recently announced its nominees for the 2013 election ballot. Among the 36 candidates is Dr. Ted Clarke, Grand River Raceway’s general manager.
The 65-year-old Elmira resident is recognized by his peers as a visionary in the horse racing industry.
Highly regarded for his thoughtful insights, Clarke’s strong and steady leadership established Grand River Raceway in 2003 and its reputation as a leader in innovation and growth.
Before Grand River Raceway, the retired veterinarian led numerous initiatives to put Elmira Raceway on the path to stability, including the inauguration of its Industry Day Celebration, the Battle of Waterloo (a race for Ontario-sired horses), and the establishment of the Ontario Teletheatre Network.
Clarke is nominated in the builders category alongside John Ferguson and William Rowe.
John Ferguson was best known as an NHLer. But he was also a passionate harness racing owner and breeder, and also worked in management, and served on the board of tracks in Montreal and Windsor. He was one of the driving forces behind the formation of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.
William Rowe was a successful breeder, trainer-driver and administrator in the sport, but he made his greatest mark as a racing executive, and a builder of racetracks. Rowe was responsible for the construction of Windsor Raceway, Barrie Raceway and Georgian Downs.
The 2013 nominees include horses and people — 18 thoroughbred racing candidates and 18 standardbred racing candidates.
Two 20-person election committees decided the winners this week but results were not known prior to the Advertiser’s press deadline.
The induction ceremony will be hosted at the Mississauga Convention Centre on Aug. 13.
