Gary Chappell ,3?

whenever weather permitted. The work ethic of the (Ihappell Stable was evident and paying results because he was con— stantly among the elite of top drivers each year on the Island and in the Atlantic region.

One thing this horseman was very reluc— tant to do and that was to talk about his wins or successes in the racing wars. His first win happened at the (1.1).1’. when he was 20 driving l)e1‘1'l‘s Partner owned by Robert Alorgenson. At age 48. he had achieved over 2.000 victories and he still didnt like to talk about any of his many visits to the \V'inners‘ Circle.

\X'hen asked to name a few of the most memorable horses he had driven. (‘iary was reluctant perhaps because by omis— sion he would offend an owner or train- er. (iary answered. “I drove a lot of nice horses." However. he did list Boyd .\lacl)onald‘s Special Slur. liverett Sheas [iv/(l .1lf(lmg/Jl. .S'le/sw/ .lin' Site owned by Lowell Stead and Bob (Iraswell. Terry (iallant‘s .1Ia/lcamlo/oo. and (Jlenn and Kerry ’l‘aylor‘s lease/(urn [fag/e.

The closest thing to his most favorite horse was .11): .\‘()/)()(l_)'. Gary explained. ".111: .\'o/)o(l1' was an old horse. I always liked him but I don‘t know why. \\"e

ll; \lﬁ

Behind the Gate

owned him ourselves. He wasn‘t very fast but we liked him a lot." Gary said he

would never forget him.

You might think that a driver who has so many lifetime wins would have one that stands out above the rest. :\'ot this team— ster. As Gary explained. “They" re all the same: you go out each time to win." He was very competitive and really enjoyed winning and a visit to Victory Lane with a low claimer or a free—for—all horse. Perhaps that‘s the way it should be.

This driver trainer had a strong opinion on the subject of the passing lane still used at the (1.1).1’. and a few other small— er tracks. lie stated emphatically. “1 don‘t like the passing lane. Some horses do all the work in a race and the passing lane often permits the horse getting the gar— den two-hole trip to reap the benefits in the stretch. It doesn't seem fair. Perhaps the passing lane time has come and gone here and elsewhere." (iary also had strong feelings on the subject of more rather than less live racing and he was concerned when the purse structure

seemed to be on the decrease.

Contrary to what his exterior may have revealed. (‘yary was a very competitive person. lie said. "I like the racing part of

“I [flee the racing part Q/‘lbe game. I [flee to compete and I [ﬂee to win. I really get apfor a race day.

It is much azf/erem‘ﬂ7nn ()lber a’ays. '

112

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