After a trial period of about one year, you might decide to purchase a better quality horse or you might want to try something

9

else that doesn’t involve horses.’ Indeed, this was one approach to a career that was successfully tried; however, there were other approaches and methods that might have worked as well.

Barney was also the catch~driver of choice for a number of owners and train— ers and he appreciated the opportunity to drive their horses. A few of those that he drove for included Don Fitzpatrick, john Montgomery, David McGuigan, Mary and Bernard Farrell, Millage MacLeod, Neal Moase, Clark Smith, Trevor Hicken, jenny Biggar and many others.

During his apprenticeship many years ago, Barney had the opportunity to work with and learn from talented and respect- ed mentors like Clark Smith, Cyril Smith, Harold Stead, Joe Smallwood, Henry Smallwood, Earl Smith and Ronnie Gass. He respected all of them. I asked Barney to name the person he respected most in harness racing. He answered enthusiasti- cally, “As a 12 year—old, the Clark Smith

Behind the Gate

Stable was where I really got introduced to horses and people in the industry. Clark really taught me a lot about horses and the industry during my formative years. Throughout the years Clark and I have remained close friends. Clark Smith is like a father to me. He knows so much about horses — their ailments and possi- ble cures. He would even shoe his own horses. He is one of the most talented and respected horsemen by his peers. He is so knowledgeable and patient with horses. He has always worked hard and spent long hours at the track.”

Barney McGuigan‘s goals in harness rac- ing for any year were to remain healthy and accident free. He hoped that his sta— tistics would improve. He never raced outside the Atlantic provinces and had no desire to move; however, he informed, “I might be spending a week in Toronto. If the opportunity presented itself, I would appreciate the opportunity to drive at Flamboro Downs or another track in that province." I believed that Barney would be up to the challenge and would per— form well and he did on two subsequent visits to Flamboro Downs.

Photo: Ann MacNeill

84