If you're looking to secure Wally Hennessey for a few drives after his Canadian Horse Racing Hall Of Fame induction next Wednesday, the reinsman already has a full dance card.
Hennessey will be inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame on August 6 where he will join an elite group of Standardbred drivers. Hennessey is already a member of the Living Hall of Fame in Goshen, the Saratoga Harness Hall of Fame, the Florida Hall of Fame, the Prince Edward Island Sports Hall of Fame and the Prince Edward Island Wall of Fame at Red Shores Racetrack & Casino in Charlottetown.
Wally Hennessey’s storied career began in the early 1970s and has brought him to tracks all over the world. Since then, Hennessey has become one of the premier drivers in all of harness racing, amassing 8,614 career wins and $58.1 million in purse earnings.
Immediately following his induction in Canada, Hennessey will be traveling to Ireland, where he will be driving in the Delaney Memorial at Portmarnock Trotting Track in Dublin.
However, the party will officially start this Friday (Aug. 1), as the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association and Saratoga Casino and Raceway will host Wally Hennessey Night at the casino’s harness track. The night will be dedicated in honour of the legendary driver who made his Saratoga debut in 1987. Following the third race of the night, Hennessey will be honoured by world famous horse racing announcer and local favourite, Tom Durkin.
Wally Hennessey Night will offer fans plenty of fun filled activities in addition to the evening’s harness racing card. Stewart’s will be on hand offering up free ‘make-your-own’ sundaes while supplies last, sponsored by the Agriculture and NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund.
“The SHHA is honoured to be part of such a special event honoring Wally Hennessey for being inducted in the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame and being invited to represent the United States at the Delaney Memorial in Ireland,” said Tom McTygue, member of the Board of Directors for the SHHA. “We hope to have the opportunity to do this for other drivers in the future to showcase and promote the sport of harness racing.”
Additionally, following the third race, a group photo will be held on the harness track near the winner's circle. All guests will have the opportunity to join the photo with both Wally Hennessey and Tom Durkin in what is being planned to be the largest group photo in the history of the harness track. The photo will be available to purchase and take home later that evening.
Drawings will be sponsored and conducted by the SHHA for all horsemen and guests who present a valid New York State racing license, for a chance to win grain and other equine supplies.
Parking and admission are free, as always, and in honor of the event, programs for the evening’s races will be available for no charge. The first post time for the Aug. 1 event is at 7:05 p.m.
“Hosting an event like this is truly an honour for us,” said John Matarazzo, Director of Racing Operations at Saratoga Casino and Raceway. “We’re very proud to be a part of Wally’s historic accomplishments and couldn’t be more excited to celebrate such top class in harness racing.”
(with files from Saratoga)
Congratulations Wally on the
Congratulations Wally on the induction to the Canadian Hall of Fame. No one more deserving. Great person and horseman.
Congratulations Wally.
Congratulations Wally.
Congrats on your many Recognitions, Very Deserving to a Great Horseman!
We have some great memories in the 70's and 80's around New Brunswick.
Paul Cooper.
Congratulations Wal, Have a
Congratulations Wal, Have a Great time in Ireland. Make sure you take the "clubs", you may want to try your hand in those ugly bunkers on the golf courses. Once again, congratulations on being inducted into the Canadian Hall of Fame!