Grace Kennedy of the Surrey Now-Leader recently spent a day at the races at Fraser Downs in Surrey, B.C., and she has put together a profile piece which highlights the hardworking Standardbred horsepeople that put on the show.
Horseman John Chappell was competing with his trainee Krystal Pistol that night. Although they were relatively dismissed as the fourth wagering choice at post time, Chappell and the six-year-old mare went out and threw in an impressive effort. They mounted a charge at the leaders and got up for a one-length win. They produced a $14.20 win mutuel.
“Sometimes it’s not how tall they are,” Chappell had said about Krystal Pistol earlier. “It’s the heart and the lungs; the power they have. The desire. That’s what it takes.”
Horseman Jim Marino also explained what one of his keys to success is – and it is something all too familiar to the horsepeople that are up at the crack of dawn and down to sleep well after most.
“I like to have a nap,” Marino said, referring to the ‘horsemen’s nap’ that is more than common in the racing game. “I’ll have lunch, go home, have a nap. Then I’ll come back. Then I’m prepared.”
To read the Surrey Now-Leader article in its entirety, click here.
(With files from the Surrey Now-Leader)
Excellent way of marketing
Excellent way of marketing our industry
Great job Grace! Hopefully it gets wide distribution.