Behind the Gate

determined by the amount to be paid each month.

There were low points experienced by this group over the years. It was not always rosy. Governess was injured in her first official race which was won by the very good Molzan in 2:06. Gor'erness was a game second, but she was never the same again. She had trained so well; expectations were high; this was a real downer. [lee and Ann both broke bones and had to be humanely put down. These things happen in the race game and it's unfortunate but they must be faced and life must go on.

On a more positive note, owning a race horse can be a good healthy hobby full of fun and entertainment for the whole fam— ily. You can get as involved in the ven- ture as you want. There are owners whose day would not be complete if they did not make their daily trek to the track with a treat for their special horse or horses. The visit to the Winners‘ Circle on a race night to have your picture taken with your prized possession is something

that you will understand only if you experience it.

It all started with Airborne Cband/er. She had a daughter. Airborne Governess who had a son Airborne AJ- who had that unbelievable year of success in 1997 as a two—year—old. How appropriate. because the letters “A" and “J in his name had special significance. They stood for Allie Carver and Jim Howatt. two of the respected and missed mem— bers of the I’arkdale Stable. We knew that Allie and Jim, from above, were keeping close tabs on A1]. and his little brother R].

And that my friends, is the anatomy of a syndicate. You might want to try one. I will conclude with a quote from “Towards the New Millennium”, 'I'rac/e Times, March, 1998, “For that's the way with harness racing. Once you‘re in it. you never quit. It becomes part of your blood just as surely as red and white cor- puscles are. And no one has yet found a serum against it."

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