Behind the Gate

first official victory She described the race, “He went to the top. He wasn’t a really strong finisher but he held on that time to win in 2209.4. I won my next race with him also.“ Since that memorable victory, Clare achieved over 1,046 life— time wins and $2,569,106 in earnings. By choice, most of her wins and earnings were with colts and fillies in stakes action because that was the focus of her atten— tion. It was Widely known that she was considered to be one of the most talent- ed catch-drivers in the Atlantic provinces. She held the track pacing record at Truro Raceway with Killeerraii Iiigle in 154.4. She raised, trained and drove the first trotter to beat 2:00 in the Maritimes in West River Exotic in 1259.4 at Exhibition Park in Saint John. She later equalled that with thizmore Sleye at Truro Raceway. West River Diesel, Island Tradition, C L's Social Whirl, C L‘s Sliiprise and C [Is Goldie also gave her important Wins. In 2007, Clare earned the distinction of becoming the first Canadian female driver to win 1.000 races.

I asked Clare to name and describe some of her most memorable horses. She answered, “You are going to remember the best ones. I didn‘t have anything to do with Kil/eermn Iitgle except to drive him. He was such a superb animal with tremendous staying power and high speed. He just had it in his head that he could go by everybody and he usually did. I was able to set track records with

Clare tlfiaeflonald

him and beat top class horses. He gave me my first taste of what real power was."

“West River Exotic was a homebred and a track record—holder. He had a beautiful attitude. He was a colt that I always enjoyed from the time we broke him. Every time he went to the track he was glad. He would bounce and play as soon as he put his foot on the stone dust. I always felt he had the right attitude to do well because he loved his job."

“ West Rizter Diesel was a great stakes colt that we raised. We went through a lot of trials and tribulations with him as a two— year-old. He couldn‘t tolerate anything like dirt touching his face. He was a head—case. As time went on, he got bet— ter and better. He became not only a top stakes colt, but a top-class horse."

“Moira Kerr and Tom Hollis purchased Island Tradition from Bob Webster for us to train and race. This was the beginning of a long standing relationship. She was just an iron-sided mare week in and week out. It didn‘t matter how I drove her because she would make up for my mistakes most of the time. She finished in the top two in all but one of her starts. Every week she would put in a top notch performance. She had some great and memorable battles with Glengyle Mari. Island Tradition earned $117,000 racing here in the Maritimes."

“West River Neldie was my top colt in

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