Drivers Tim Tetrick, George Brennan, Yannick Gingras and David Miller said they were sorry for missing the Breeders Crown finals on Oct. 29 at Woodbine Racetrack
in Toronto. The group was among horsemen stranded in New Jersey because of snow-related travel postponements.
“I want to offer a sincere apology for missing the Breeders Crown races and congratulate all the connections that won a Breeders Crown,” said Tetrick. “To any of the connections that I messed up, I’m very sorry. I hope I didn’t hurt anyone’s chances of winning.
“The last thing on earth that I wanted to do is miss it. I work all year to get to drive these good horses and have them ready to win Crowns. Mother Nature just really stuck it to us.”
Others echoed Tetrick’s sentiments.
“I understand the bettors are disappointed, the trainers are disappointed, and the owners are disappointed,” said Gingras. “I am too. It was the biggest night of the year and it could have been the biggest night of my career. There is nobody that wanted to be there more than I wanted to be there.
“I’m not blaming anyone. I’m taking full responsibility. I’m disappointed that I let people down. I let myself down.”
The drivers made multiple attempts to find ways to make it to Toronto in time for last Saturday’s action.
“I had my own horse in,” noted Miller, referring to trotting mare Autumn Escapade. “It’s not the place I wanted to be, standing in the airport. It wasn’t planned. It’s a shame we didn’t make it and I’m sorry for letting people down.”
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2011 Breeders Crown In The Books; Breeders Crown Drivers Stranded
This story courtesy of Harness Racing Communications, a division of the U.S. Trotting Association. For more information, visit www.ustrotting.com.
Well i agree with Howard,
Well i agree with Howard, when you wait until the last minute things happen,the best part about the whole thing that was the replacement drivers for the most part did a great job and my hat goes off to the Canadian Drivers who got to pick up some of the catch drives and finished in the money.
Simple solution....don't
Simple solution....don't wait til last minute to leave.Flight cancellations happen frequently.....go the day before.