Behind the Gate w . 1 areas must do for our horses. They must be fed, exercise 1, cleaned, shod and watered on :a regular basis. Their stalls must be clean. If they have problems with their knees, feet or something else, they must be attended to immediately.

In 1998, this talented teamster‘ drove a sensational three-year-old trotting filly for Duncan MacKay that would give this dri— ver his very best experience or moment in the game. This trotting sensation won all of her races as a three—year—old. In fact, she was defeated only once in the Atlantic region. She won the final of the Dairy Queen at the GDP. in 2201.2 which was still a track record for filly trotters. Barney fondly remembered that race, “She was tons the best that year. During the race, I remember somebody roaring in the upp€r turn to give her her head. She probably could have gone in 2:00 that day and set the track record at that time but I Wasn‘t worrying about a track record. [ was just trying to get her around and win the race. It was a really ’ Shortly after that record—setting race, Miss Kay Mac was sold and she went to Windsor. Duncan tried to buy her back as a brood— mare but was informed that she had become colicky and had to be humanely put down. Unfortunately, the racing career and life of Miss Kay Mac, a lady with great potential, ended prematurely. Barney and Duncan would never forget

nice feeling when I hit the wire.’

Miss Kay Mac or that memorable day.

In a complete turn, I asked this veteran trainer/driver to describe his worst expe— rience. He answered, “I was driving Charlotte's Cbeer for Cecil Ladner, Brian Ladner and Keith Pigot in a two-year-old filly stake race at Inverness. Walter Cheverie was driving Bob Craswell‘s Money Don't Matter and I was sitting right behind her. In the stretch drive, with horses on both sides of us, Money Don't Matter went down so quickly that there was no way I could get around her. It happened right at the wire and I went right over her. I didn‘t remember any— thing after the accident until I woke up later in the hospital. I had four very sore broken ribs and was unable to work for eight weeks. That was an experience I would not wish on anyone."

I asked him what single best piece of advice he would give a youngster who was contemplating a career in harness racing. To this question he replied, “I would advise that young person to pur— chase an inexpensive experienced horse and learn from that horse. Experiment and try to improve the horse. Don‘t be too proud to seek advice from veterans at the track. Give your horse lots of atten- tion and good care. Determine if you can handle the responsibility because your horse requires care and attention every day of the week for the whole year.

“It was a really nice feeling when I bit the wire. ”

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