The phrase 'island hospitality' is frequently used to describe the good nature and generosity shown by residents of Prince Edward Island in how they treat those visiting the province. On Thursday night at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park, driver Kenny Murphy took that concept one step further.
Murphy was the winning driver behind One Hot Camshaft on Thursday night for Frank & Curtis Hansen. A friend of the Hansens was looking for a lift to the winner's circle on the racebike alongside Murphy -- a common scene in harness racing across the globe. As Murphy told Trot Insider, a piece of equipment caused the hitchhiker some unforeseen issues.
"He's done it lots before; he's been around them his whole life...he's just getting old," said Murphy with a laugh. "It was pretty funny, we were torturing him about it pretty good.
"The mare had a gaiting strap, and he was trying to jump on the side, but the strap was mixing him up, he couldn't get his butt between the seat and the shaft because the strap was there."
Seeing the gentleman couldn't get himself safely situated, Murphy exited the driver's seat, kept hold of the lines and walked the horse back for the photo.
"He was laughing about it pretty hard, because Frank Hansen just had a massive heart attack, and he was the guy walking after [having] triple bypass surgery. So he was laughing, saying 'Frank's walking, he just had triple bypass surgery...I really didn't want to take a heart attack, I need a ride!'"
The connections could all be seen laughing their way to the winner's circle, with announcer Vance Cameron stating he's never seen anything like it in his 40-plus years in the business.
You're the best Kenny .
You're the best Kenny . :o)
Kenny Murphy is one of the
Kenny Murphy is one of the best guys you’ll ever find at the racetrack! Always smiling, and always pleasant. He truly loves the horses, and the sport! Congratulations to all the connections of Onehot Camshaft, and thanks for the laugh!