Prominent standardbred breeder Peter Heffering has been inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame, and Trot Insider has reached the 77 Port Perry, Ont. resident for comment
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In 1996, Heffering and his son David opened Tara Hills Stud Farm and it has risen to become one of the most successful stallion stations in Canada. In addition to making his mark in the breeding of standardbreds, Heffering has also found much success in the dairy cattle industry.
"We've had our share of awards, but a Hall of Fame induction is a new one for me -- it's quite an honour," he said. "I'd like to think we've done some good things in both industries."
Earlier this year, Heffering was up for induction in to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame. The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association honours and celebrates Canadians for outstanding contributions to the agriculture and food industry.
On the standardbred side of things, Heffering has campaigned many notable horses, including Precious Bunny, a winner of over $2.2 million and a member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame; Riyadh, a winner of over $2.7 million; Pacific Rocket, a winner of over $2.3 million and Day In A Life, a winner of over $1.8 million. Heffering has bred such top level horses as Bunny Lake, a winner of over $3 million and Precious Delight, a winner of over $1.3 million. Heffering has found his way to the winner’s circles throughout North America for many of the sport’s major stakes events including the North America Cup, Meadowlands Pace, Canadian Pacing Derby, Little Brown Jug and Breeders Crown.
The formal induction ceremony for the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association will take place at the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame awards banquet on at the 2009 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair later this year.