Harness racing success stories are often found throughout the Standardbred industry and most recently a group of horse breeders from around the globe have found Bourbon County in Kentucky and have come forward to help St. Mary School in Paris.
The elementary Catholic school has been in existence for 136 years and had been hoping to be able to expand its program to include a new middle school facility. In order to do that, they would need to purchase the vacant building next door.
The school’s need was understood by local harness racing industry leaders and the idea for the fundraising had begun nearly a year ago.
A total of 13 Standardbred stallion breedings were donated to the fundraising effort for the school. Those helping the cause hail from Kentucky, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Canada and even as far away as New Zealand. These gentlemen are Kevin Greenfield (Hickory Lane Farm), Frank Antonacci (Lindy Farms), Duncan Taylor (Taylor Made Stallions), John Barnard, Jon Weisman (Weisman Farms), Ola Yoder (Kountry Lane Standardbreds), Steve Stewart (Hunterdon Farm) and John Curtin (JC International).
According to St. Mary School’s principal, Miranda Chaplin, “The unique fundraiser seems particularly apropos for the school, where 28 per cent of the students come from families connected with the equine industry.”
Chaplin herself grew up showing Standardbreds at county fairs and other competitions. The school boasts an emphasis on agricultural education and even has a club promoting agriculture.
Donated were breedings to Capt Midnight, Crazy Wow, Dont Let Em, Fiftydallarbill, Helpisontheway, In Range, International Moni, King Of The North, Lather Up, Lazarus N, Temporal Hanover, Uncle Peter and What The Hill.
David Reid, president and owner of Preferred Equine Online, one of the leading online auction sites in harness racing, stepped in next. Along with his hard-working staff, Reid featured the 13 breedings on his website, free of charge.
The conditions were 10 per cent down, and not refundable, with the balance due when the mare has a live foal.
The results of the first annual auction were tremendous with $60,650 USD raised for St. Mary School.
“The folks at St. Mary's do a fantastic job,” said Reid. “Their school ranks among the highest scores in the state and we were happy for their success.”
“It’s absolutely incredible to have folks in the community who see the value of the education we’re providing at St. Mary’s,” said Chaplin. “And that they want to help us serve more children and their families.”
Plans are already in the works for even a bigger second annual stallion auction next year to help with the development of the new middle school. The group is hoping to get as many as 50 stallion breedings for the action in 2024.
(Submitted; Photo of John Curtin meeting St. Mary School principal Miranda Chaplin)