Behind the Gate ‘W‘é

Lorne Hennessey. .\laurice Hennessey. Lloyd Duffy and john .\1ac(}illi\'ray who was actually blind. kloe had countless sto—

ries and anecdotes related to each.

Presiding judges and classifiers haye thankless but important jobs in this indus— try. They deserye much more credit than they get according to Aloe. He recollected one instance where he argued \‘ehement— ly with a presiding judge then chastised himself because he realized the judge was just doing his job.

\\"here did the nickname "'l‘wo-Hole" originate? In a race. when joe had a horse that could leaye the gate. he would leaye rapidly and let the best horse in the race go if he could. He would stay in behind that horse or in the two—hole until the stretch driye and attempt to out—sprint that horse to the wire. ~joe would haye loyed the passing lane introduced recent— ly at the EDP. joe preferred not to race his horse from the front if he could ayoid it and he usually did.

About Bert McWade. the former Public

Relations Director of Harness Racing for

the Atlantic Lottery Corporation. Joe remembered him as a good guy. A good funny guy, He was always teasing some— one in a good natured way. He was always willing to learn. .Ioe recounted

one of Bert's experiences as a driyer at

Joe Hennessey

the (LDP. Bert was driying .llI'ss .lIc(/e(' when her hobble—hanger let go and tripped her. She went to her knees but Bert was able to get her up and finished the race. He took a lot of good natured ribbing from the boys in the barn after that race. He remembered it well. Bert worked for Aloe Ilennessey and Doug Hill during his formatiye years in the racing game and receiyed a firm foundation.

Shirley and joe always tried to instill in their children and grandchildren that you must work hard to he successful in this life. Daughters. Brenda. Linda "Bubby". Lorie. ~jennifer and Francie and sons.

joseph “ylody”. john. Danny. Wally and

Gordie could indeed be yery proud of their parents.

The \‘ery afternoon that the interyiew was being done for this article. joe receiyed a call from his son \X'v’ally from Sweden. \V'ally had just driyen the great mare .llom' JIM/cor to a world trotting record of 13%.3 on a fiye—eighths mile track in the lilitlopp International ’l'rot in Sweden. joe Hennessey earned a gleam of satisfaction from his son‘s message.

Longeyity permitted joe Iiennessey to appreciate and enjoy his two loyes — his family and his horses. He died on October 2‘). 200‘ at the age of 83 after a

lengthy illness with his family at his side.

Where did the nickname “Two-Hole " originate?

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