Randy Kerr was one of the most popular horsemen southwestern Ontario has ever known. He had a smile that looked like it had been painted on him. Always friendly, and always helpful to those around him, the winner of 3,673 races, was honoured Sunday afternoon by Leamington Raceway.
In June of 2007, Kerr passed away at the age of 51 to cancer. He is survived by his wife Cindy, and their three daughters, Julie, Lindsey and Ashley, as well as brother Terry, and sister Pam (Payne), and his mother Shirley.
The one mile trot was won by Bridge On The Kwai ($4.30), driven by Alfie Carroll for trainer/owner Marty Adler of Amherstburg, Ont. As a coincidence, the winner was paddocked by Kerr's daughter, Ashley. The time of the mile was 2:02.4.
The Preferred Handicap Pace saw a major upset as Bill Kirkpatrick drove his Bulldog Tenacity ($8.80) to a wire-to-wire win in 1:59.1 over 20-cent to the dollar favourite, Conflict Diamond. The son of Rambaron-Vartanian picked up his second win in 18 starts this year.
Kirkpatrick had a good afternoon also winning with Capac Chief ($6.60) for Veterinarian Pam Loomis of Grosse Pointe, Michigan.
It was almost three for Kirkpatrick as he tried to wire the field with Astronomer, only to get caught, losing by a neck to White Shark ($20.50), owned and trained by Bill Collins of Clio, Michigan and driven by the bruiser "Rocky" Wray, in 1:59.4.
Leamington Raceway also hosted a $3,000 Racing Under Saddle wagering event, which was won by 11-year-old trotter Twin B Excalibur ($7.30) and Evelyn Harms 2:07.1. Randy Fulmer trains and owns the winner with Phillip Katcher of Dewitt, Michigan.
Racing continues for two more Sundays before the meet comes to an end for the year. Post time is 1:30 p.m.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Leamington Raceway.
(With files from Leamington Raceway)