here definitely was something mys—

tical about Hunter River and its

ability to produce horsemen. Albert Bernard was one of the many from this beautiful community to do well in the harness racing industry. He had his share of success in the very competitive stake races. Albert also found time to be heav- ily involved in the PEI. Standardbred Horsemen’s Association and was a direc— tor and president at the Charlottetown Driving Park. He stated, “I try to do the best I can with the abilities I have. I am trying to help to keep this game going during difficult times."

Albert started to work around horses when he was five under the capable direction of his dad, Emmett. Albert remembered his dad having the trotter. Lee Brewer at that time. He was permit— ted to do some serious training of the horses when he was 11. The first horse he trained was a quiet mare called Miss Donna Mae. It was a big thrill when the Cowboy allowed the Bandit to warm her up before the races one Saturday. They also had Sonny B at that time but Albert couldn't handle him because he pulled too much. Albert remembered taking his dad's horses to swim in the I‘lillsboro River just a few hundred yards from the

Photo: Gordon Slaunwhite

Charlottetown Driving Park. Horsemen today throughout the world would pay dearly to have this gift in such proximity. This Hunter Riverite, born in 1944, had the advantage of access to some talented and respected horsemen when he was a youngster. He had access to tips and advice from Emmett Bernard. Clark Smith, Don Seaman. Henny O'Donnell and others. For example, he remem— bered that his dad often went to Henny O‘Donnell for advice. Henny was the great Bill O’Donnell‘s dad.

After a sojourn of a few years in Hamilton. Ontario. the Bernard family returned to good old Prince Edward Island and Albert opened his own public stable in 1973. Two of his first owners were Arnold MacLennan and jack Brown with horses like Beauty Gi‘em’lu’ood and Gleniobz' N. He recollected, “Beauty was never beaten at the C.D.P. and then she went to Montreal. You would think that she was through at the top of the stretch but then she would just fly home. She had the will to win.” At that time, he also had Spin N Dandy for Jack and Ken Gillis; Albert broke this fellow and he took Albeit to the prestigious Gold Cup and Saucer.

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