Behind the Gate

Robert MacDonald, John

What did Mark MacDonald. Shepherd, John Chappell, Mark Bradley, Anthony MacDonald and Mike MacNeill all have in common? They were among the suc— cessful young horsepeople who received much of their career foundation from tal— ented and experienced people on Prince Edward Island. In 2008, all of these youngsters were plying their trade on major tracks in Ontario and Alberta. I asked this erudite horseperson what advice he would give to a young person who might be contemplating a career with the horses. His sage advice was, “Look around the track to see who seems to have success and who does a good job. You learn your best from the best. If you want to learn this game, my to asso— ciate yourself with the best. That way, what you learn is from the best. At the same time, if you can, try to get as much formal education as you can to go along with your equine education. Try to par— lay the UM) of them."

In 2008, the breeding aspect of the har— ness racing industry was the main focus of Meridian Farms. Their stock and num- bers showed a heavy concentration of stallions and mares with their colts and

Brian.

fillies; however, quality horses from Meridian Farms East and West raced year round in Alberta. Ontario and the Maritime provinces.

Bill Andrew’s first Sassy was Two— and Three-Year-Old Filly of the Year in Alberta and later raced in the Open Mares Class in Ontario with $269,000 in career purse earnings. She was certainly a success stoiy but imagine the joy and satisfaction in the Andrew family should one of their progeny enter the Trials and win the prestigious Gold Cup and Saucer at the Charlottetown Driving Park Entertainment Centre!

Brian informed me that Meridian Farms West based in Calgary, Alberta existed before Meridian Farms East in Milton, PEI. He indicated that Bill had a ten— dency to hire Maritimers when possible. Out West in 2008, Sanford Campbell was the head trainer and his son, Brandon did most of the driving. Terry McIsaac was his farm manager and Blair Taylor was responsible for promotions. In the east, Brian was the manager and did most of the driving. Very capable assistance came from John Duffy, Mike Doyle, Ron Neill, Milford Bernard, Ron Gass, Donnie

“A person that I respected over the years and that I got to lenow quite well was foe Hennessey. foe was a hard worleer and an accomplished horseman. He drove a horse [the I would [flee to be able to drive a horse. He gave proper care to a horse. In his own low-keyed manner, foe Hennessey got thejoh done. foe Hennessey was a gentleman.”

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