Somehow I ended up with all the boys’ itineraries and I’m supposed to meet them at the airport no later than 6:00 a.m., but of course I’m behind schedule
! So when I finally arrived at the airport I received a quick lesson on punctuality from Jody and off we went!
Now by the time we landed in Newfoundland we were already half an hour behind! I know what you’re thinking, and no, I didn't make it late! Jody did, he was having trouble landing in that thick Newfie fog so he thought it best to give the captain back his hat and let him do his job! Finally, we got our bags and got a warm welcome from my brother Scott, then after he was giving me his speech on punctuality as well, we were escorted off in a limo and on our way to the races!!
Once we arrived there were a lot of people, anxiously waiting to see Jody, Scotty, Luc, Mike, Todd & Guy! We then grabbed a quick lunch while getting briefed on the rules, and then it was time we had to check in at the paddock. With the first race ready they sent us out one by one to get introduced. As I made my way down the stretch I hear all my family and friends singing out a “welcome back”, and I can honestly say it brought a tear in my eye. They were so happy to see everyone involved.
There were only seven races that day and the last race was the highest purse ever raced for in Newfoundland, a three-year old stake race for $3,500 - which was generously donated by Bill Andrew from Meridian Farms. There were so many companies and fellow horsemen who donated for the day, Sandy Best from Best Bandages had donated many of his best products and Jody even came to my brother before hand and helped out financially, it is so great to see people giving back to the industry. They are truly kind- hearted people.
During the races I was presented with flowers and a letter from a dear friend Faith. I wanted to fill up but I had to hold myself together, for I had the honour of spreading my late uncle Sunny’s ashes over the track, a task I took so willing and with great pride. He loved the races and was so proud of my accomplishments. I wasn't there for the funeral but for me it was more special. It was just our time, a time to say goodbye.
The day wasn't just me trying not to break down, though. It was filled a lot of laughter and good times. There was a BBQ and entertainment after the races where all got a chance to just sit back and chat it up with everyone. I guess Scotty had enough chatting so he decided to get up and sing, and holy crap can he sing.
Afterwards we filled up about five cabs and headed down to George street to rock The Rock. We got back about 3:30 and tried to grab some sleep before we were off to the airport again. But sleep I could not get, it wasn't my dad’s snoring, nor my mom's whale noises…it was my nephew Shane. He wanted to talk about anything and everything. Don't get me wrong I love our heart-to-hearts, but all I wanted was head-to-pillow.
With not much sleep we were off to airport - not in a limo this time but in Scott's Tahoe - and with seven of us climbing someone had to share a seat. Scotty had to sit on Jody's lap. It was a ride filled with laughter to see him there with his head jammed up against the windshield and Jody with the big grin.
I know the boys had a great trip and would like to thank them for giving up their days racing to come back to support the track. They are truly talented drivers and, above all, amazing people. I would like to send a special thank you to Mike Whelan for he was asked two nights before to attend and we were so glad he accepted.
The plane ride home and that night at the River was filled with talks of the day and how my brother Scott can certainly put together an awesome day with filled with racing, excitement, entertainment and one heck of a good time. Thanks Bro.