“It puts a bit of pressure on you. If I move early is he going to be sour when I get back to the barn? It’s always there.”
The above quote is from 21-year-old Maritimes driver Ben Hollingsworth, as he explains how he dwells on what trainers might be thinking as he steers horses during races.
Hollingsworth's comments come via an article by the Truro Daily News, in which he praises trainer Phil Pinkney.
“Guys like Phil are great,” the 21-year-old Hollingsworth said. “He doesn’t put pressure on us at all. He doesn’t tell us how to drive, he just lets you work out a trip and stay safe and if you pick up some money then that’s great.”
The article -- which previews Thursday's Neil ‘Chops’ Campbell Memorial Young Guns Drivers Challenge at Truro Raceway -- also contains quotes from fellow 'challenge' participant Mark Whidden, who earned his driving license roughly one month ago.
“The first couple times I was pretty nervous because there’s a big difference from being out there training by yourself to having eight horses out there,” Whidden was quoted as saying. “There’s a lot going on and things happen pretty quick, but I’ve gotten a lot more comfortable being out there in the past month.”
Paul Langille, who is also taking part in the challenge, discussed how every race is a learning experience and how veteran pilots also act as terrific mentors in the bike. “No two races are the same,” Langille was quoted as saying. “You learn something every time you go out and the guys are pretty good. If you ever ask them anything they’ll help you out.”
(With files from the Truro Daily News)