Behind the Gate

sport where accidents are quite frequent. He said, “Racing has been really good to me. I can’t think of a really bad experi— ence that I have had in the game.” In 2007, Gilles learned that he had Type 2 diabetes; however, he continued to lead the nation with amazing driving statistics.

In 2008, the Gilles Barrieau Stable was operating out of Saint John Exhibition Park. Gilles had high hopes for three tal- ented three—year-olds — Tobias Paradise, Plea Bargain and Accelerated Force. He also had a number of freshman colts and fillies that he was preparing for stakes action in 2008.

One trend that this dedicated horseman didn’t like was the lack of younger peo- ple getting involved in the industry. Gilles explained, “Check out any track at any time and see who is doing the work. You would find a very small percentage in their teenage years. life. You really have to love horses. For a kid starting out, there is no money for them." Is it possible to initiate a program to interest the youth? Could the industry, government, schools and public come up with a positive, innovative and educa- tional program to attract young people of both sexes to harness racing? Perhaps ”Care and Management of the Standardbred” could become an elective credit in Atlantic high schools if educators and politicians agree.

It‘s not an easy

someday soon

For years, Gilles’ stable at Saint John

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Gilles rieau

included 12 to 17 horses. Some of his workers over the years included Gordon Ford, Kevin Fitzgerald and Mike Morris. Before venturing out on his own, Gilles worked for his uncle Marcel Barrieau for seven years followed by two years each with the Paul Daeres Stable and the Belco Stable.

There were a lot of people in harness racing that this knowledgeable horseman respected but Marcel Barrieau was the person he respected the most. He explained, “Marcel is an all around horse- man. He understands all facets of the industry. He taught me a lot about shoe- ing and everything important that he thought I should know. Probably every- thing I know today about horses comes from him. He is a great worker himself. "

Gilles had some observations on his dual role as trainer and driver. He informed, “Certainly, I like to be out there driving but as far as training my own stable goes, there is a lot of work to be done during the week. There is a lot of preparation especially for the stakes. I prefer driving but I will always want to keep a stable in the future even if I do some catch-driving wherever I may go. If I had to do one to the exclusion of the other, it would prob— ably be driving but I love training also.”

Gilles‘ wife, Kelly was a school teacher who loved harness racing and what he did for a living. She loved horses as did daughter, Devan.

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