Reader Feedback
June 7, 2007
Click here to send us your thoughts on any of the comments below.
Should drivers over 65 be allowed to drive?
I believe a driver over 65 should be able to drive in betting races. However, I also believe that they should be questioned about their health and any other concerns on a yearly basis.
Peter MacKinnon Jr.
Sydney, Nova Scotia
If a driver is 65 or older it shouldn't matter as long as they are confident and capable of doing the job. If they have been driving all along then they are obviously safe on the track. Let's face it, as long as you pass your driver's test every two years on our public highways, after age 80 you can still drive an automobile. However, I do believe that you must be currently driving in pari-mutuel races to maintain that license when you are that age.
Judy Graham
Stayner, Ontario
Let's face it, today's horses are faster, and sometimes hard to control. The industry as a whole is getting faster every day it seems. Does today's driver need to think and act quick, most definitely. We all must admit, as we get older we get a little slower, and slower reactions could mean big trouble on the track. So does a 65 year old man have the same reaction as a man in his 20's or 30's? That's easy: No. So for the health of the sport and safety of others and the animal, I feel 65 should be when you hang up the lines.
Ervin Abdulov
London, Ontario
It is important to protect all drivers from any situation that would affect their well-being. A driver who is 65 and healthy and capable of performing his or her driving duties would be no threat to other drivers. I do feel that a health certificate from a doctor stating that the diver is capable of performing his or her duties should be required to protect not only other drivers but the horses as well. A quick check up with a doctor's approval would satisfy all concerned.
David Gage
Brantford, Ontario
As long as they are in good health there is no reason not to let them drive.
Judy Cameron
Regina, Saskachewan
I believe this should be on an individual basis. If a driver is in good physical condition, has good eyesight and hearing, then he or she should be permitted to drive after 65. If they are safe, courteous and still productive, Mother Nature will let them know when it is time to retire.
Bev Heywood
Windsor, Ontario
People over 65 should not be discriminated against because of their age. The late Wendell Ford was a track driving champion, and father and son driving champion, at age 70 (Charlottetown Driving Park). If my memory serves me correctly, he showed more patience and common sense than most younger drivers. At the time he was in good health and spirit. If a person was not in good health I could see it being a problem, so people over 65 in good health should be allowed to race, because we can all learn from their experience.
Kenneth MacLeod
North Wiltshire, PEI
This is a very interesting question. It is hard to make a blanket statement and set a standard age for forced retirement with respect to catch driving. Historically, most catch drivers have diminished in their early 50's to the point where they are no longer competitive and driving into their late 60's was not normally an issue. The safety of the driving and horse community needs to be considered. These days catch drivers are like well-paid athletes and most of them take excellent care of themselves. Ron Pierce has done his best racing in his late 40's and Mike Lachance looks like he could race competitively forever. Doctors are not forced to retire at age 65 as long as they have stayed mentally sharp and can practice their craft safely. I do not think drivers should be treated any differently. I think the issue needs to be treated on a case-by-case basis.
Darren Jamieson
Stoney Pt., Ontario
I hate the thoughts of mandatory retirement in any profession UNLESS there are valid studies which show the participants are incompetent and a danger to others due to age. If we accept age 60 as the barrier, why not 55 or 50. Is there a measurable difference in competency between ages 59 and 60???
E Nosrac
Alton, Ontario
Any opinions and views expressed are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Trot Magazine or Standardbred Canada.