Behind the Gate

howeyer. Mike liked the races at home more than that one. There was some— thing intrinsic and indescrilxtble about his Victories at home in the (iold (Iup and Saucer that other yictories didn't possess. Mike belieyed that the race that meant the most to him and his lamily was in 1993 when Sumh' l/(inoi‘er won the Gold

Cup and Saucer in 150.1. It was kind of

an unexpected win. His daughter. 1.aura suggested that they take Sandy with them to Charlottetown tor Old Home \\"eek. Sam/‘1' came along lor the ride and uncer— emoniously qualified in the 'l‘rials. He was a long shot in the final but the tal— ented team of Mike and Sandy Hanover earned their way to the winners‘ circle in one of the most popular wins eyer in the prestigious (iold Cup and Saucer. 11 was to be Mike‘s litth and biggest win in this race. By the way. Laura had suggested that they take that old horse again Mike wondered whether he should haye l‘ol—

lowed his daughter's adyice

lior the decades this respected and may capable horseman was inyolyed in eyery aspect ()1 this great sport. 11e mucked stalls. walked horses. cleaned harness. jogged horses. trained horses. droye hors» es and he owned horses. The biggest change to him oyer the years was the

improyed. more l‘inely tuned speed.

The aspect ol‘ the game in 1998 Mike did,

nt appreciate was when we haye unqual—

3‘3? fimi

Mike MacDonald

it‘ied people making decisions who shouldn't be making decisions. For example. to simulcast or not to simulcast. Mike stated emphatically. “The only way we can get ahead is to simulcast as much as you can. In addition. it" you haye to haye slots. haye them. \‘i'hateyer it takes to make this business go. Our business is neyer going to go back to the way it

was years ago."

\<)t one to ayoid the controyersial. Mike also asserted. “Montreal had the most ridiculous whipping rule in the world. Montreal also had the most ridiculous passing lane rule in the world: it is dif— ferent lrom any other place“.

Mike did not hesitate when asked about his \‘ery best experience or moment in this game. “\Vhen 1 went next door and met my wile in the next barn at Blue Bonnets.” '1'he \‘ery personable and astute

_ludy .\1acl)onald understood and appre-

ciated the sport and business that was so much a part o1 her husband's lil'e. She loyed and understood horses and instant— ly described details about many of Mike‘s past horses.

There was no question about his worst experience in harness racing. Judy and Mike concurred that it was when an injury sidelined him l‘or six months in 198‘). \\'hile it wasn’t always easy to

make a liying in this business. with his

“Yon bcilte lo make 11/) your mind lo leave home a! one lime or another

i/‘_)'()1/ are going lo mot/«e harness racing your li/e. "

89