Trevor Henry finds himself in an enviable position. He is the co-owner of a highly-regarded trotting filly heading into the biggest race of her life, as well as the hand-picked driving representative of Canadian harness racing on an international stage.
One thing you don't sense from the Arthur, Ont. resident is a sense of unease. In today's episode of Trot Radio, Henry seems as cool as a cucumber as host Norm Borg asks him about trotting filly Angies Lucky Star: one of 14 fillies heading postward tonight in hopes of winning the 2013 Elegantimage Final next Saturday at Mohawk Racetrack. The Angus Hall filly finished twice in Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Finals last year, and has come back at three to show the same ability - finishing third in her Casual Breeze division last week. She has post five in the second Elegantimage elim, with odds of 9-2 on the morning line.
When Henry was asked to assess Angies Luck Star's chances, he looked to the outside of the gate at the 8-5 morning line favourite.
"I know the one filly she's in against [Charmed Life] looks like a nice filly, she qualified in :54 so she'll be tough. It's not going to easy for sure."
While committed to the WDC, Henry has entrusted the training and driving to O'Brien Award-calibre horsemen: winning driver Sylvain Filion and nominated trainer Richard Moreau.
"I do a lot of driving for Richard and he does a great job with the horses," said Henry on his decision. Henry leaves for France this morning (Friday) but is hoping to watch the race online.
This coming Sunday, Henry, will start on his quest to defend the nation’s title in the 2013 World Driving Championship (WDC). Noting that the style of racing and driving is "totally different" than what he or anyone accustomed to racing in North America is used to, Henry will look to become the fifth Canadian driver to capture the international driving event, with a prize of $25,000 going to the winner. Past Canadian WDC winners include Herve Filion (1970), Sylvain Filion (1999) and Jody Jamieson (2001, 2011).
"All it is is horse racing, right?" said Henry with a laugh. "It's a lot of luck as it is skill...I don't think I'll have a problem."
The 20-heat WDC Tour opens in Reims, France on June 9, where the first five races will be contested. It will then move to Normandy, at Caen, where four races will be contested on Monday, June 10. Angers will host five races on Wednesday, June 12 and five will be raced on Thursday, June 13 at Mauqenchy before the series comes to a close with a single heat on Saturday, June 15 at Vincennes-Paris, home of the famed Prix d’Amerique.
To listen to the full interview between Borg and Henry, click the play button below.
Trot Radio - Episode 296 - Trevor Henry
Audio Format: MP3 audio
Host: Norm Borg
I'llHaveAnother Ontario needs
I'llHaveAnother Ontario needs racing.
Good luck Trevor. In your radio interview with Norm Borg, you hit the nail on the head with your comment: "All it is horse racing" (It's what I do). Henry, you're right, you don't need any advice because you will represent our country well.
It's nice to see our Canadian drivers participating in the World Driving Championship. It is also nice to see our drivers competing in stake races around the world.
But it's not nice to watch them leave to drive in different countries, looking for work.