Saving Sammy: We're off to the races, and have many to thank
“The best 10 days he’s had in years.”
That’s what my father Denny Baxter calls the week-and-a-half he spent on Prince Edward Island earlier this month with our 18-year-old rescued racehorse, Sammy.
The harness-racing retirees were invited to Charlottetown’s Red Shores Raceway to parade the entries for the Saving Sammy Pace, named in their honour. It was the first time in 14 years the duo paced down the stretch at the historic track.
A lot of planning and hard work went into setting up and shooting the series, but it was nearly as much fun for me as it was for dad.
“Saving Sammy” has been a labour of love -- twice now -- and I’m very grateful.
I want to thank Mike Currie of the PEI Harness Racing Industry Association for coming up with the idea and being such a help executing it. Julie Jamieson, also of PEIHRIA, for her expertise and ideas, especially at the yearling sale.
Speaking of which, Jeff and Evan Hennigar, thanks for taking us behind the scenes. I hope Harry becomes a champion, then home to Greenfield someday.
Lee Drake and Peter MacPhee of Red Shores Raceway, who run a harness racing, live broadcast that stands up to any in North America. Thank you for the cooperation, feedback, access and enthusiasm. Total pros.
Track announcer Vance Cameron too! #legend
Kayla Gallant is the young woman in Episode 5 who stepped up to help dad and Sammy in the race paddock. You didn’t see it on-air, but when we needed last-minute help, we turned around and Kayla was there.
Tom Clark, it was so good to finally meet you. I’m looking forward to a longer conversation next time.
Gilles and Kelly Barrieau, thank you for sharing the barn space with dad and giving viewers a glimpse of what harness racing excellence looks like.
Marc Campbell, for your insights on the best rivalry in Maritime harness racing. If there’s such a thing as a safe bet, you guys are it -- amazing competitors.
The Van Meers, Randy and Donna, I’ll always be in your debt for taking such good care of them both on your beautiful farm. Dad said, “this place is heaven to me.” It’s hard to argue with him.
Sam and Lynn McLean, Jim Atkinson, Danny Romo and Randy, this second series wouldn’t have happened without you. You kept us trucking and we are so grateful.
Jeff Lilley, thanks for being such a loyal buddy to dad. And to your mother Becky, thank you providing a warm home base for Denny, on top of the hot meals!
Lastly, thank you to every viewer who has come along for the ride with the wise, talented horse, and the old man who’s still a boy whenever they’re together.
Jayson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is a 'halal mortgage'? Does it make housing more accessible?
The 2024 federal budget announced on April 16 included plans to introduce “halal mortgages” as a way to increase access to home ownership.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Chants of 'shame on you' greet guests arriving for the annual White House correspondents' dinner
An election-year roast of U.S. President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents' dinner Saturday.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.
'We are declaring our readiness': No decision made yet as Poland declares it's ready to host nuclear weapons
Polish President Andrzej Duda says while no decision has been made around whether Poland will host nuclear weapons as part of an expansion of the NATO alliance’s nuclear sharing program, his country is willing and prepared to do so.
Central Alberta queer groups react to request from Red Deer-South to reinstate Jennifer Johnson to UCP caucus
A number of LGBQT+2s groups in Central Alberta are pushing back against a request from the Red Deer South UCP constituency to reinstate MLA Jennifer Johnson into the UCP caucus.