Joe “Two—Hole” Hennessey won 924 races but his most memorable race was one that he lost. In the 1964 Gold Cup and Saucer, Joe drove Tammany Hall for Stanley Mayhew and Jack Brown. At the threevquarters, he was hopelessly caught in a hole while the eventual winner fame Byrd circled the field. Joe had lots left, but when he did clear in the stretch, it was too late and he finished second.

Behind every successful man you will find a woman. Joe Hennessey stated that his wife, Shirley was without question, the reason he and their 10 kids had done so well often in very trying times. It was not easy raising such a large family and everyone had to chip in with all the chores even those related to the horses. joe claimed that Shirley was the glue that kept the family together and she gave the family direction.

In the past, harness racing was a sport where winning was important to gain bragging rights in the community. It became a business and if a horse didn't pay his way, often he didn’t stay. This was the biggest change that Joe noticed in the game. The second big change was the speed of the horses. Today's horses continue to go faster for many reasons.

The Atlantic Sire Colt Stakes and other lucrative stake races have been a blessing to the industry claimed this veteran horseman. In the beginning, they were for two—, three— and four-year—olds, both trotters and pacers.

92

Behind the Gate

Joe Hennessey loved his wife and family first and horse racing second. His father, Wal would walk five miles to see a race and Joe's attitude was similar. He pre— ferred the live racing over the simulcast. He would watch the simulcast when son Wally was driving Mom' Maker, Pacific Fella or some other entry; otherwise, he did not care too much for the simulcast. The thing he liked least about racing was any instance of horse abuse. This really bothered this gentleman who really loved all horses. He loved horses because he grew up around horses; he world sleep in their stalls, then do the feeling and mucking before his own breakfast. The seeds of the game were implanted in him at a very early age and they produced a successful horseman.

Good owners and good horses were a blessing to Joe throughout his c1reer but he was also good to them. Tiis train— er/driver tried to get along with his own— ers and his horses.

Wal Hennessey taught “Two-Hole” very early in life that there was alwars some— thing to learn and that you czn never know it all. He emphasized :his and added that it was better to be a good lis- tener than talker. These two gems of advice he would give to any y)ungster thinking of entering the industiy

Some of the people who have w>rked in the Joe Hennessey stable over tie years included Ralph “Boo" Shephe‘d, Jack Pound, Joe Arsenault, Bert l’Ic‘Wade,