Brian MaCPhee

preventative maintenance. It shouldn't matter whether your horse is a low—end claimer or a regular on the free—for—all.

Brians lowest moments occurred when he was in a prolonged slump of weeks without a victory. Today you are on top of your game hut tomorrow you‘re not. It was at times like this during a slump that his father would sit him down like he did when Brian was a 13—year-old and give him some sage parental advice. It often worked and would continue to work

Phil Pinkney from Nova Scotia was an excellent horseman and mayhe the per— son that Brian had the most respect for in the game. For example. Phil once asked Brian to fit Rez‘ hurling/He with a set of flat shoes hefore the (lold (Iup and Saucer race. Brian was curious ahout this request hecause the track was a little loose and he thought traction might he a prohlem. Phil explained that his horse was a little hit sore and pointed to a spot

on the horses hip that Brian didn‘t even

Behind the Gate

know existed. Phil pushed that spot

lightly and the horse tlinched. Brian wondered. “How much time does that man have to spend on a horse to he that specific on his diagnosis of a horse's prohlem?" By the way. Phil and [601' Your Engine won that race after a tremendous stretch duel in the mud with Angel's Sbuz/ou'. Phil was a gentleman on and off the track and Brian asserted. “I have great respect for Phil Pinkney: the same great respect I have for my father."

It is conceiyahle that the Charlottetown Driving Park could some day feature something uniquely historic. How ahout four memhers of three different genera— tions from the same family competing in an official pari—mutuel race? Brian MacPhee could he racing against his father. Alex. his daughter. Amhyr and his son. Brodie. Imagine the race ending with the grandfather. son. granddaughter and grandson all in a quadruple dead

heat for the win!

lle (ionsistant and Brian .\lacPhee in (Il)|‘ \V'inners~ Circle.

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