"How do you step back from something that it's your passion, it's your love, and you can still do it? And you still get the opportunity to do it?"
There's an old saying that if you love what you do, you don't work a day in your life. As you read that statement, it's possible you completely understand.
Now imagine you've been inducted into five different Halls of Fame as a result of excellence in your chosen profession. In that case, you don't just love it. Others also love you, and what you do, and how you do it.
Such is the case with Wally Hennessey. The winner of the 2025 William R. Haughton Good Guy Award, Hennessey was recognized for his gracious, easy pleasantness and willingness to cooperate for the good of harness racing and its fans.
That said, Hennessey has effectively indicated that he's retired from active competition after a storied career with more than 12,000 victories and $83 million in purse earnings. Hennessey, who turns 70 later this year, last competed in November at his longtime base of operations — Saratoga Casino Hotel.
When asked by Standardbred Canada's John Rallis if he's planning to make a return to competition, Hennessey replied, "For me to step back and say...I think I want to [return] but my mind and my body won't let me."
Hennessey and Rallis also discuss the importance of the award bestowed upon Hennessey and the success of fellow Canadians both at the 2025 Dan Patch Awards and beyond. To watch the interview, click the play button below.
(Standardbred Canada)