example, the bikes and harness are much lighter. The quick—hitch is easier and safer. Tracks are much better condi- tioned and maintained; however, the best change is the disappearance of the hub rail. He explained, “Now, if something goes wrong in front of you during a race, the center field is there for safety. Before the pylons were installed, you either went over the hub rail or over the driver in front of you.” Gilles also had high praise for the wheel disc and couldn’t imagine racing in bikes without them.

He grew up with horses in the Moncton area and he had always been around them. He got attached to horses and he loved horses. He said that there was nothing that he would ever do other than horses and horse racing. What did he like most about this game and industry? He did not hesitate, “I love driving in a race. I love the challenge and the com- petition. I like racing especially in the stakes and invitationals for the larger purses; however, I prefer the race to be competitive where each horse has a legit— imate chance to win. I don’t enjoy a race where I am in too easy like most of Clinton Debriefecl’s races. He won 13 of 15 races as a two—year—old and was a lay— over in all of them."

Behind the Gate

As a trainer, Gilles pointed out some of the important things we must do for a horse, “It is important that we get them out every day. Proper training must be planned. A horse requires proper grooming. Proper feeding means a lot to a horse. If a horse starts to get off or to get sore somewhere, you have to get on it right away or there could be trouble down the road.” You can’t argue with success and Gilles had his share in recent years by following these guidelines. You can’t overestimate how much a trainer means to getting a horse ready for a race.

This youthful trainer and driver realized that he was fortunate to have had a num— ber of positive moments and experiences in horse racing and he was thankful for them. I asked him to choose his best experience or moment in the game. After some hesitation, he answered, “Being in the Winners’ Circle three times after the Gold Cup and Saucer at the GDP. It is really quite a thrill. I enjoy being in this race every year. I think I will have to take time off and return to Charlottetown for this race no matter where I am racing at the time."

Gilles knocked on wood and stated that he had been very fortunate so far in that he hadn’t suffered any serious injury in a

“I thin/e I will have to talee time oflana’ return to Charlottetown for this race no matter where I am racing at the time. ”

178