years, he bought and brought a multitude of horses to the Atlantic region to be re- sold to Atlantic horsemen. This was the “dealing” and he loved it especially when both sides ended up as winners.

According to this Mason Road resident, all horses, especially the successful ones, have problems that must be dealt with by your friendly veterinarian. He stated, “Really, vet bills turn me off the most. Is this a sentiment shared by a number of people in this industry? Costs in this area are escalating but what are the possible successful alternatives?

The highlight of this dealer's racing career would have to be when one of his own breed, C.L.’s Surprise by Paris Dexter from fill’s Birthday, driven by Clare MacDonald, stopped the clock at 1:58. This was a record for fillies at the C.D.P. It was especially satisfying because this filly was raised by Collins as was her mother fill/s Birthday. Another highlight was in the annual Stanfield held in Truro when his C.L.’5 Social Whirl was victori— ous for driver Clare MacDonald after being parked the whole trip. This horse raced on the Ontario Jockey Club circuit in Toronto.

Collins believed that the best way to get involved in this industry was to learn from someone who had had some suc— cess and therefore knew the game. He explained, “If he’s frightened of work he best put it out of his mind.” This would seem to be sound advice for a youngster

68

Behind the Gate

from a veteran of all aspects of harness racing for over half a century.

In 2002, Collins Lee \Wood of Stratford was named Prince Edward Island “Horseman of the Year” by the Standardbred Horse Owners Association. Collins made a major impact on the RBI. breeding and racing scene. He frequent- ly travelled to such sales as the Old Glory to acquire broodmares and racehorses and resold them.

Among the Maritime stakes champions that he bred over the years were C.L.’$ Social Whirl, Dunachton Dandy, C.L.’s Surprise, Wrwdmerefilly. C.L.’$Single CC, CL. ’3 Glory and CL. ’5 Goldie. This is an impressive list of stakes winners.

During the winter of 2008, Collins conva— lesced at home with his partner of 24 years, Laverne MacDonald. He was still very active in the game because he had two three—year-olds and Cl five-year—old mare being trained by Terry Affleck and Aleida Twetan at the Charlottetown Driving Park. C .L. ’5 Gracious Lady was a four-time winner. Leave Me Go and Howrnac Graduate were two unraced three—year—olds by Largo that showed lots of promise in training. Collins was also a co-owner of Norm Barney, a three—year- old colt by Aces N Sevens. This colt was trained by Lynn Privett and driven by Garry MacDonald on the Ontario circuit.

July 8, 2008 was an impact date for Collins Wood, Laverne MacDonald and