At the start of most years harness trainer Jack Darling is spending his time teaching his rookie pacers and trotters the fundamentals necessary to become a racehorse. This year has been a bit different though as he’s been making his rounds on the awards circuit where various segments of the industry on both sides of the border are recognizing his extraordinary volunteer efforts.
In 2014 Darling was the driving force behind two major fundraisers. He rallied the troops in the spring to raise money to telecast the Meadowlands Pace and the Little Brown Jug and in the fall he orchestrated the Waples Tribute evening which raised funds for the daughters of his good friend, trainer Mark Austin, who passed away suddenly in August at 54. Both efforts raised well over $100,000.
“He was a great person and a good friend, everyone liked him. He and his wife, Julie, devoted their whole lives to horse racing. We were all shocked when he died and I wondered what we could do for them. Their girls are going to be going off to university soon, one wants to be a vet, so we decided to raise money for their educational fund,” Jack explained.
In late January the Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association presented Jack with their most prestigious award, the Lloyd Chisholm Memorial to recognize his tremendous contribution to the Ontario harness racing industry. Chisholm is regarded as one of the founding fathers of the Ontario Sires Stakes program in which Darling has competed successfully for many years. In addition, the United States Harness Writers Association bestowed two prestigious Dan Patch awards to Darling, the Unsung Hero and the Good Guy.
This wasn’t the first time Jack has led the charge when he felt strongly for a cause. Several years ago he organized a fundraiser that brought more than $150,000 for the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society.
In addition to his incredible fundraising efforts, Jack is also regarded as one of Ontario’s most talented horsemen. He was Canada’s trainer of the year in 1996 and some of his top horses over the years have included Northern Luck, Gothic Dream, Low Place, Twin B Survivor, Northern Sky, Silent Swing, Decor, St Lads Popcorn, Stonebridge Terror, etc.
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