Once a week throughout the harness racing season, Woodbine Mohawk Park will profile a horse who has had a life-changing impact on one of their closest connections.
This week, the series features Kyle Bossence, who in 2023, recorded the first $1 million season of his nine-year-training career, and retired pacer, They Call Me Gordy.
The conditioner based out of Arthur, Ont. credited the kind-hearted bay gelding for reigniting his interest in the sport and keeping the door open for greener racing pastures.
They Call Me Gordy
Foaled: May 6, 2011
Sire: Arizona Liar (IA)
Dam: Its All The Rave
Starts-Wins-Seconds-Thirds: 134-16-23-22
Earnings: $120,303
Trainer: Kyle Bossence
Owner: Kyle Bossence
Breeder: Brydon Kaster
What made this horse tick?
“I bought him when he was making breaks, so I paid around $4,000 for him. Fortunately, I ended up figuring out a couple spots on him and he had enough ‘go’ to race at Mohawk.
“I bought him privately. He was listed on one of the for sale boards and I had raced against him a couple times in London and always liked him. Then they took him to Buffalo for a little bit and then I caught him for sale and ended up getting him. Picked him up the same day.”
What race of his stands out as the most memorable for you?
“He was second at Mohawk one night [July 19, 2016, at odds of 56-1]. There was a horse in there [The Wayfarying Man] being driven by Mike Saftic that was dropping down in class – I think the horse had showcased in [1]:48.4 [in the past]. We didn't think we could beat him, but we were hoping we could be second to him and that's how it ended up that night. It was a pretty fun night.
“He also competed in the Preferred at London a few times, which was very exciting that early in my career. At that time, I had only raced cheaper claimers and I bought him, like I said, very cheap, and he ended up winning a Preferred race up in London [on March 27, 2017].”
Describe his personality on and off the track.
“He could leave with the car. Dougie [McNair] drove him a couple nights and he drove a lot of horses that were better than 'Gordy,' but he always said, ‘I don’t think there’s a horse around that could beat this one off the gate.'
“That was one of the things I loved about him. I always loved the horses that no matter what hole you got yourself spotted, you could get yourself in a good position because they could leave.
“He’s a big, strong horse, but he was very gentle. He was very kind; there’s not a mean bone in his body. He was great with everybody, kids especially. Back then, I had some of my younger siblings come around to the races and we’d throw them up on his back.
“He’s one of the nicest horses I’ve had.”
Three words to describe him?
“Big. Strong. Gorgeous.”
How has he changed your life?
“I didn’t pay a lot for him, but he kept me interested in staying in the business. I’d say he was one of the first horses when I got back in that made me enough to keep going and claim some other horses.
“He wasn't a stakes horse or anything. He didn't make me a ton of money, but he made enough and probably is the reason we’re having this conversation.”
(Woodbine)