Blanchard To Rock The Pink Tutu

For the third Sunday this month, Clinton Raceway will host another great event and raise money for the

local high school.

Sunday, September 4 marked the sixth biennial Legends Day. People from all over gathered in Clinton to watch legendary drivers in the $20,000 Legends Day Trot, and to raise money for the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation. It was the most successful event to date: it featured the biggest crowd, the largest handle, and $20,000 was raised for the CPHF. John Campbell was able to pull of the three-peat with a victory aboard Lexis DJ. With Campbell's win, it was confirmed that Greg Blanchard will be sporting a pink tutu this Sunday (September 18).

This past Sunday, with September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Clinton Raceway teamed up with Childcan, a local organization which reached out to families that are affected by childhood cancer to help raise awareness for the disease which affects thousands of families. It was a day for the families and children to get together, share, support, touch a horse, and even go for a jog. The Ontario Harness Horse Association and its Hands on Horses Program were on site, offering a pat on the back and even a lap of the track for those interested. One special guest that jumped at the chance was Stephanie Simmons. Stephanie, who is a three-time brain tumour survivor, was celebrating her 17th birthday. Stephanie and her sister started the Gold Ribbon Campaign for childhood cancer. Through a twoonie auction, bake sale, race sponsorships and more, the generous fans were able to raise over $2,500 for Childcan.

The final Sunday of Clinton's 2011 season is just around the corner, and it will be celebrated with the 30th annual Charity Driver’s Challenge. Once again, this year’s recipient will be Central Huron Secondary School. Representing Clinton Raceway in the challenge will be the top four dash winning drivers, Bruce Richardson, Trevor Henry, Jason Brewer and Alfie Carroll. Jody Jamieson, Mark MacDonald, Mario Baillargeon and Sylvain Filion will be joining them on track. The contest will take place during Races 1 through 11 and will be based on a points system. All proceeds from the trackside BBQ, silent auction, car wash and bake sale will go to support CHSS’ 2011 Challenge Day.

Over the last 29 years the annual event has helped to raise over $235,000 for local charities. Blanchard will be wearing the tutu and will be carting the 'Queen of Clinton,' Jessica Carnochan, around the track due to the wager he lost on Legends Day.

First-race post time for the final live race card of Clinton's 2011 season, which will include the $20,000 Ray McLean Memorial Pace, is set for 1:30 p.m. this Sunday.

(Clinton)