Behind the Gate

per cent and take it to the next level and some never do.”

There are important things that we must do for racehorses if they are to maximize their potential. Using the proper feed on a regular basis is taken for granted. A horse must be physically healthy and sound to perform well. Regular attention by an astute farrier is a must. In addition to these requirements this trainer added, “I believe that a horse has to be mentally and emotionally fit and that is the most important thing we can do for a horse. If a horse is mentally fit and feeling good, he will race well when sound. The train- er. driver, groom and all who work in the stable contribute to making a horse men— tally fit. If they provide a positive envi— ronment, the horse will be happy and a happy horse has a better chance to race well and be successful."

Ronnie was asked to deal with his best moment 01‘ experience in harness racing. He responded, “There have been many moments and experiences that have brought satisfaction. For example, win— ning in 157.3 was a real thrill. There have been many happenings that were important to me; however, there were a couple of occasions where I had some success with horses owned by my father and they were very important to me. Hillw’ew Kelly was one that Dad owned and it was special to me when he raced well. Dad was an integral part of the Ronnie Matheson Stable. Something else that was special to me was the fact that

Dr. Blair Kelly’s Rivenme Comet finished off the board only once in 2003. He was chosen as P.E.I.'s Horse of the Year and three-year-old Pacing Colt of the Year in 2003. He was a colt that we developed and we could see in him that we were doing something right.”

For a number of years, the C.D.P. would hold Baby Races for two—year—old colts and fillies of both gaits on a Saturday morning in June. This non—betting event would attract entries and fans from all parts of RBI. Ronnie‘s worst moment in harness racing occurred in 2001 during the running of these Baby Races. It was a sad and unpredictable incident that could happen any day to any stable. He reluctantly recounted that moment, “Cloudy and Wet, one of our two-year- olds got loose that morning. She ran out of the barn to the parking lot and hit a parked car. Hysterical, she then ran to the opposite end of the parking lot and hit another car. She was taken to the Atlantic Veterinary College but had to be humanely put down that same afternoon. She was a promising filly ofjack Brown’s that was scheduled to compete in the Baby Races that morning. It is sad and unfortunate but the game we love does sometimes have its tragic moments.“

I asked him if there was one person in his profession that he knew and respect- ed more than all others. The talented trainer's interesting response was, “There is no one person in the Maritimes who sticks out in my mind but there is a num—

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