By Greg Douglas – Dr. Sport

 

SCENE & HEARD: Since his father’s passing in 2009, Tom Locke has been placing $100 wagers in his honour on potential Kentucky Derby winners.

This year Locke took things a step further in memory of his Dad and picked Justify prior to the Kentucky Derby to become only the 13th Triple Crown winner in racing history.

“My father was quite a horse enthusiast and a pretty good handicapper in his day,” says Locke. “I like to think he was cheering with me each step of the way in Justify’s incredible journey this year.”

Locke is no stranger to Vancouver’s sports landscape. He was a major contributor to the BC Sports Hall of Fame from 1992-2012 in various capacities, including serving on the Board of Directors and chairing the selection committee.

A long-time member of the BC Lions Waterboys corporate family, Locke worked on Grey Cup organizing committees in 1986 and 1987. He fell in love with Hastings Racecourse years ago at a Waterboys Breakfast in the paddock area one bright August morning while the thoroughbreds galloped nearby under brilliant sunshine.

“My Dad and I would never miss going to the River Rock Casino Sportsbook three times a year to bet the Kentucky Derby, then the Preakness and finally the Belmont,” Locke fondly recalls. “Winning all three with the same horse was always on our bucket list but, of course, it never happened while we were still able to share each other’s company.

“These Triple Crown winning tickets I now have thanks to Justify are the ideal Father’s Day greeting in his memory.”