Behind the Gate

By contrast, his worst moment in the game happened on a Friday evening in 1979. It was the night that Francis McIsaac was accidentally killed on the track at Exhibition Raceway in Saint John. He recounted sadly, “I was at the Sportsman Club in Charlottetown sitting at a table with Mickey Gallant and Paul Murphy. At first we couldn‘t believe it. One of the most accomplished and respected drivers in the Maritimes had just lost his life on the track. It made me think about many things, especially the business I was in.”

What is the single best piece of advice you would give a youngster who is think- ing about getting into the harness racing industry? This question had added rele— vance to Kenny because he and his wife Carol Ann had two children, Michael and Shelby. He answered that the youngster must love horses and continue with the game but only after getting a formal edu— cation first. He stated that it was possible to get a good foundation in the game in the Atlantic provinces but eventually the youngster would have to leave here for places where there were more opportu— nities to make a living. Their children did go to the GDP. on occasion but a formal education took priority.

This talented teamster gave a lot of praise to three astute mentors as he learned the game. Over the years he was thankful to have worked for Joe Arsenault, Eric “Ike" Moreside and Marcel Barrieau. He also had high praise for his uncle, Jack

Kenny»

Arsenault who was very important in Since the Kenny Arsenault Stable opened, he had some very capable people working for him including Bob Drake, John MacMillan, Wes Lund, Willy McInnis, Scotty Bell, Johnny MacKinnon, Ian Smith, Anthony MacDonald, Mark MacDonald and Kurt Hughes. He pointed out, “Your stable is only as good as your help. If you have good help, you will do well."

Kenny’s career.

The person Kenny respected most in har— ness racing was Wally Hennessey. They were first cousins and once lived in the same residence for one year in Saint John, New Brunswick. They always got together to talk when Wally visited the Island. He had great respect for Wally and said, “He is a very talented person, a pure gentleman and a great ambassador for Prince Edward Island and the Atlantic provinces. I admire how he drives and the fact that he doesn‘t abuse a horse. His success with Mom' Maker reveals his special talent with a trotter. He carries himself so well on the bike and is always so clean. He always has a smile and always has time for people. His accom— plishments in the industry speak vol— umes. He has taken his game to the next level and set the bar high for others."

Kenny Arsenault’s long—term goals as a driver were to be successful in the Atlantic provinces. His goals did not include a move to Ontario or Quebec. He explained, “I am set in my ways so I don't have any plans to move; that’s not

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