Chris McGuire is finally doing what he loves, training harness racing horses on a full-time basis, and he has two ladies to thank. The first is his wife, Kari. The other is a horse, Fernbrook Fiasco N
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Fernbrook Fiasco N won more races, 23, than any harness horse in North America in 2008. The 11-year-old New Zealand-bred pacer has won 36 times and earned $44,857 over the past two seasons, the majority of which she spent in McGuire's stable.
She's the one that got everything started for me," said McGuire, who lives in Franklin, Ohio. "She's definitely got a special place in my barn."
McGuire, 43, was working third shift on a machine line making automobile brakes and training a couple horses on the side when "Fernie" came into his life. The horse was sent to him in January 2007 by owner Craig DeLong. Prior to joining McGuire's stable, she had won 19 times during her career.
"She's kind of a hard mare to deal with," McGuire said. "She's been known to bust up a jog cart now and then. She's blind in one eye and kind of a pain in the butt sometimes in the barn. She's a kicker on the track a little bit; she's headstrong. But she's all business when she races. We just get along with her really well."
Thanks to Fernie's success, McGuire got more horses from DeLong and other owners. With the blessing of his wife, who is a fifth-grade teacher, he was able to quit his factory job and focus full time on racing. Now, his stable has 20 horses.
"My wife is great. She's the whole reason I can do this," McGuire said. "This was always a dream. My dad (Jimmie) and uncles all had horses part time. You know how it gets in your blood. She supported me trying this full time."
The timing of McGuire's stable growth was beneficial because Kari McGuire gave birth to twins, Christian and Grace, in November 2006. Chris was able to spend more time at home with the children.
"Being able to do the horses, you've got your own schedule and more free time," McGuire said. "It's been a real blessing."
In addition to the twins, the couple has a 12-year-old daughter, Allyson, who McGuire calls his "second trainer." Last year, McGuire's stable won 95 races and $192,720 in purses, with his top win coming with Savannas Love in the $20,200 White River at Indiana Downs.
"I'm not trying to get rich," McGuire said. "I just want to make a living doing what I love to do."
(Harness Racing Communications)