In 1986 at the age of 26, a watershed took place in Kenny’s career. At that time, he was working in the Joe Arsenault Stable when John “Buddy” Campbell decided to give up his stable to act as classifier and

official starter at the C.D.P. He asked Kenny to take over his stable on a trial basis for six to eight months. It was a momentous decision because of the high responsibility it entailed but this talented trainer/driver was not about to refuse this opportunity. The first horses in the Kenny Arsenault Stable were Hidden Ammo, Pride ofBeaa, Blarney Stone R. W. and Soutbport for Davis Campbell; Cabot for Robert McGee; and Brand New Trooper for his father Alfred, Frank Roberts and himself. This successful trial evolved over the years and produced a horseman who was among the best known of Atlantic horsemen.

Most drivers have no difficulty recounting their first official drive in a race. Kenny‘s first drive was with Wispeer’fty Nick? for owner Gerald Morrissey. He remem— bered it well because there was a 15 minute delay. Paddock judge Jerry McCabe announced to the drivers there would be a delay because of a rnalfunc— tion at the pari—mutuel. It seemed like a plot and someone was trying to psych him out before his first race. Kenny left in the trailing position and moved first over at the half with Albert Bernard and Domstar gaining his cover. Kenny lost that race to Albert in a photo in 2:07.

Kenny had four drives that night and got

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Behind the Gate

his first lifetime win with his last drive of the night. It was a rainy, cold December night and he was driving Donmarf] for his uncle, Joe. Kenny explained “He was a puller and it was a runawry. I couldn’t hold him. He won in 2:08. Everybody complimented me on a great drive but I couldn’t hold him. He jLSt ran away!” That would be his first trip '0 the Winners’ Circle as a driver. There vould be many more.

I asked Kenny to select a few of his most memorable horses and it was a difficult chore. Airborne A]. owned b3 the Parkdale Stable had raw speed. He drove a tough Order To Go for trainer Ian Reid and won the Provincial CLp at Exhibition Raceway in 154.4 it the fastest dead—heat ever in the Atlantic region. Glengyle Man’ owned by James Roach MacGregor was a chamjion. Buddle/batsbz'sname was owned ly the Blackhorse Stable of Moncton and Penny drove him to victory in 20 of 28 starts and never finished worse than second He co-owned a gritty Kemodynault wi'h his best friend, Dr. Maurice Coady. Benny owned Brand New Trooper witl his father, Alfred and Frank Roberts and this horse probably got him started mort than any other horse because he won quite a few races with him early in his cireer. Kenny was certainly involved with nany other memorable and quality horses but these were his top six until he crove Astronomical in 2008.

Who was his favorite horse? Ksnny