Trish Dooling of Portugal Cove, Newfoundland, has been a regular contributor to the Fan Club’s Heart of Harness Racing Calendar since its inception.
Dooling has also had her photos featured in Trot 4 Kids, and on the cover of Trot Magazine. Her passion for photography started thanks to her father, who wanted to see how the horses looked when training -- now she can be found taking over 1,200 photos on any given race day.
Trish is first out of the gate for 2016 with her photo of Muzzysenglishbaby frolicking in the snow featured as the Heart of Harness Racing’s January image.
“Muzzysenglishbaby has always been a favourite horse of mine,” explained Trish. “There was a time when I contemplated buying him. I thought long and hard but in the end a friend of mine bought him. Muzzy has a one of a kind personality. He loves showing off in fine style. Most times while outside, he is more likely on two legs rather than four!”
Muzzy also has talent on the racetrack and was named Horse of the Year in Newfoundland in 2013. Trish’s Dad cares for him when his owner, Jim Byrne, is on vacation or needs a hand, and Trish tags along to help out.
“I captured the shot this past winter. I was headed to the track to take a look around and see who was there,” Trish explained. “Muzzy was in the barn anxiously waiting to go outside. As soon as I knew he was going outside I grabbed my camera and knew it would result in some pretty great shots. Even though he doesn’t sport any pink, he is still one great looking horse!”
Trish is filling up her photo library with regular racing action shots but it’s the winter ones she takes extra effort with. “I will dress a little warmer, stay outside a little longer to try to capture every moment that I can. Letting a horse be free and enjoying the fluffy white stuff is always an awesome sight. My winter photos have been featured in Atlantic Post Calls, Trot 4 Kids, and on the cover of Trot. This is the fourth calendar that the I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club has put together and I’ve had a winter selection in each one of them! Living on a rock in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean certainly allows me to get my fair share of those particular shots!”
As far as Trish’s own horses, in 2015 she raced only one horse – Blueberry Tea. It was the fourth season she raced her and she scored one win in 10 races. Recently she acquired a little mare named Tick Tack who is a great addition to the barn!