Holiday tradition continues in Summerside

Columnist recalls a special memory with special people

The annual Canada Day harness racing card returns to Red Shores at Summerside Raceway on Saturday at 1 p.m.

There’s a baker’s dozen (13 races) on tap, and the feature is in Race 12.

Red Shores Charlottetown will host a Sunday matinee on this holiday weekend at 12:30 p.m.

Horse racing is celebrating 250 years of existence this weekend, and over 40 veterans of harness racing are going to be recognized during the winner’s circle presentations in both Summerside and in Charlottetown on Sunday afternoon.

Flashback

It was Aug. 29, 2009, and we were racing at Exhibition Park in Saint John, N.B.

It was the Maritimer Stake for three-year-old filly pacers, and I had Elm Grove Dallas, co-owned by Bob Gordon and myself, entered in one of two elimination races.

She had to finish in the top four to qualify for the final on the same day. Well, Dallas got away fifth and went around two in the stretch to finish third, and make the big dance.

In the elimination, the track was listed as good, with a twosecond variant. Oh, by the way, that was from the eight hole – that’s a long way out.

Then came the post-position draw for the $13,754 final. We drew Post 5, and I went to the numbers room to pick up our saddle pad. Right off the hop I remember thinking this is good because it was green – and if any of you see my horses, they are decked out in green.

The starter said “go” and the final was underway. By this time the track was listed as

sloppy, with a three-second variant.

We were sitting in sixth position at the quarter, 16 ¾ lengths off the leader. She improved to four lengths back at the three quarters, and was within four lengths at the top of the stretch.

There were two things that Dallas could do – finish hard and make money. When the dust settled – and there wasn’t much around because 108 mm of rain fell that day – Dallas and driver Bobby MacInnis landed on the wire first.

My wife, Debbie, and I watched from the first turn, and as the horses were coming off the track Gilles Barrieau extended is hand for the congratulatory handshake, followed by Todd Trites and Clare MacDonald.

Next it was onto the winner’s circle looking like two drowned rats.

I remember race announcer Scott Wadell giving up a “Boom Call” as he watched us enter the winner’s circle.

It was by far the happiest day of my training life. I got to share it with some very special friends and family. Yahooing and dancing around in circles across the track was my sister, Brenda MacInnis, who is Bob’s wife, and Marlene Doucette roaring “we have her bet,” and at almost 15-to-1 you could understand why.

Phillip Doucette and longtime friend Brian Edwards completed the team that day. I could never thank Bob MacInnis enough for what he did for me that day. If I couldn’t make it for her off-Island races, Bob loaded her up and did it for us. I remember one race in Inverness, Bob, Brenda and my daughter, Brooke, drove almost six hours to and six hours from to drive her for me. When he got home Bob described her as having more legs than a spider, but I still love her.

I wanted the chance to share my story of Bob’s dedication in helping a fellow out. Over the two years we raced her she won six races – five of them stakes – and banked just under $40,000. It wouldn’t have happened without Bob MacInnis.

Bob has recently been battling a health crisis that has shook everyone that knows him. To Brenda and their daughter, Morgan, our prayers are with you and the MacInnis family.

Thanks so much for allowing the Camerons to share our story.