On Thursday night the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame welcomed its 2010 class at an induction ceremony and dinner held at the Mississauga Convention Centre. There were ten new members voted into the Hall this year, five equine and five human.
The Hall of Fame was founded in 1976 with an inaugural class of 44 members, but went 20 years without a home until August 1997 when Woodbine provided a permanent site without cost, located at the west end of the building. Along with the panels on the walls dedicated to each member, visitors can see unique, rarely seen memorabilia, including trophies, antique racing programs, winning jockey silks, bronzed horseshoes and a multi-wall mural that shows how this exciting sport has become what is today. A statue of Northern Dancer will Bill Hartack in the irons greets visitors just entering the doors.
Before the ceremonies began, arriving guests participated in a silent auction to support to Hall of Fame, followed by a live auction. There were 50 lots for sale in the silent portion of the auction, including a Secretariat package which included a framed photo of his maiden win signed by Penny Chenery along with the Secretariat and Ron Turcotte bobblehead dolls. Seen here is one of the five live auction items, a halter worn by Zenyatta donated by John Shirreffs and Jim Bannon. Comedian Tim Steeves conducted the live auction and then gave the opening speech during the ceremony. Steeves is a popular Canadian stand-up comedian who has written comedy for "This Hour Has 22 Minutes", "Rick Mercer Report", and "Talking to Americans", and has toured with American comedian Louis C.K.
After being introduced by master of ceremonies Jim Bannon, inductees were invited on stage to be presented with their Hall of Fame rings.
