Horseman

nly a small number of drivers of

standardbreds world—wide, has

accumulated more than 2.000 career wins. How many of these drivers are Prince Edward Islanders?

Joseph L. Hennessey known better as “Jody” is one of 17. The others— Wally Hennessey, Joe O’Brien, Paul MacKenzie, Garry MacDonald, Kenny Arsenault, Gary

Chappell, Emmons MacKay, Paul Matthews, Henry Smallwood, Mike MacDonald, Earle Semple, Jimmy

Whelan, Clark Smith, John Chappell, Earl Smith and Mark MacDonald. This talent— ed group of teamsters is proof positive that PEI. can produce talent comparable to anywhere in this sport.

At age 58, Jody‘s health determined that he would be less active in the driving and training of horses than he was a few years earlier. Easily recognized in his familiar white-blue—yellow driving colors. he was still regarded by his peers and track patrons as one of the efficient dri- vers on Atlantic racetracks. He had 2,061 wins as a driver and 344 wins as a train— er. His fastest win ever was at the Summerside Raceway in a track record time of 1:57 with Cbrisfopber C. Down.

Jody Hennessey grew up around horses. He remembered at age eight he would get hold of a pitchfork and clean out a stall. As a member of a family of 12, it was necessary for all of his brothers and sisters to help their father, Joe with the barn chores at the CDP

Two of the horses that were the first he worked around were My Darling and Callie Hal. My Darling was a nice little free—legged gray mare and a fan favorite at the C.D.P. He loved to get on the track with her and he could hardly reach the stirrups. He got his first scare and learned an important lesson when Callie Hal got spooked and bolted from the track to the stable area with Jody on the jog cart. learned what to do when this would hap— pen in the future. He learned this and other valuable track skills from his dad who insisted that you worked at some— thing until you did it properly. Jody explained. “Most of what we know today we learned it from him. We followed his path and direction."

He couldn't hold her but he

As a kid growing up in Charlottetown, Jody also admired and benefitted from other talented Atlantic horsemen. He

145