My grandfather was a harness trainer who got me to start jogging
his horses when I was around 7 yrs. old. Living so close by to a
racetrack at the time (Charlottetown Driving Park) also helped!
I trained my first horse when I was 9 yrs. old. I got my
trainer's license when I was 16 yrs. old. I trained and drove horses in
PEI until 1986.
I moved to Ontario about 14 yrs. ago. I first started working
here as a groom for John Holmes. Not long after that, I found
myself doing catch drives at flamboro.
It took 3-4 yrs after I moved to Ontario, to get my first job as
a trainer working for the Frank Burns stable. At around the same time, I
got my first catch drive opportunities on the OJC circuit.
What are your views on driving versus
training?
I thoroughly enjoy doing both. I get my best thrill from training
to compete from the day of the sale to the day of training. Being able
to drive what I have trained is, to me, a great accomplishment
especially when they hit the wire on top. Both driving and training are
important.
What is a typical work-day?
It starts around 07:30 - 08:00 with the arrival at our barn in
Troy. I then ensure that the stable is healthy and sound. Daily jogging
comes next. We want to ensure all our equine athletes are in top form.
Then it is off to fabulous Flamboro Downs for the 15:00 post. After
Flamboro, it is off to Woodbine or Mohawk to compete in the evening. A
typical day usually consists of 15 - 16 hours.
How do you attract new owners to your stable?
Firstly, I feel track and horsemen sponsored 'New Owners
Seminars' are great for attracting new blood. Also, by virtue of my work
ethics and my success on the track, I use this as my calling card to
showcase my talents and personality.
What are your long-term goals?
I'd like to stay training horses for years to come. I think I can
be successful going into old age. Driving is a different scenario and I
would hope to be a capable driver for at least another ten years.
Winning many more stake races is certainly a goal I will work hard to
achieve.
What are your career highlights/milestones?
3000th career win at Woodbine with 'Loverboy Bluegrass'
Elimination win Nat Christie Memorial with 'Terrible Semalu'
Gold Cup and Saucer win with 'Little Black Book'
Ontario Sire Stakes Gold Final at Woodbine with 'L R Alleys
Concern' - broke and trained by myself
Winning six consecutive races at Sackville Downs on one program
OSS Gold Super Final - 2yo filly pace - 'Royas Bambi'
(2000-11-04)
What are your thoughts on where the industry
is heading with the new gaming opportunities at all Ontario
tracks?
This sport is heading up and is literally on a roll. It looks to
be in great shape with the new gaming opportunities available. The
expected revenues from the slots will be sure to keep us going and
attract new owners in unprecedented numbers.
Any final thoughts?
This website is a great opportunity to reach a vast majority of
people all over the world. I look forward to being a part of one of the
finest sports on the planet. Now is the time to get involved. I believe
that the harness racing industry has a very prosperous future.
