MacPhee Discusses Safety Vests

Published: April 15, 2011 12:40 pm EDT

Horseman Brian MacPhee doesn't have a problem with safety vests, he just doesn't like being told what to do

.

The horseman's position on the topic has been flushed out in an article by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The report is in regard to the fact that effective January 1, 2011, the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission has made it mandatory that safety vests will be required for all participants in any race under its jurisdiction.

MacPhee is scheduled to steer four-year-old Pacific Fella gelding Pembroke Fella (PP8, 3-1) during the Charlottetown Driving Park's meet-opening card on Saturday, April 16. First-race post time is 6:00 p.m., and MacPhee is scheduled to guide his mount during Race 10, the last dash on the program.

"I'd like the choice, yes," said MacPhee, who stated that he wishes the vests weren't mandatory. "I think it's a great idea that we do wear safety vests. If there's a horse comes over you, he's a thousand pounds going thirty miles an hour and he steps on your back there probably is a good chance that your vest will save you. And, no, I'm not against wearing them, I'm against being told I have to."

To view entries for Saturday's card of harness racing, please click the following link: Saturday Entries - Charlottetown Driving Park

(With files from the CBC)

Related Stories

MPHRC Issues Safety Vest Reminder

Tags

Comments

i agree too with Brian!but safety vest dont help much when its time of broken legs,ankle,arm, shoulders etc.. i had a friend who died in a nasty spills years ago and let me tell u even if he had the safety vest then it would of saved him .when a 1000 pounds horse fall on u at 30 mph click u have no shot what so ever u just get crushed like he did!first i dont drive anymore and i find it very unconfortable just to warm up but thats the way we have to go! R.I.P SERGE

i agree with brian!!!as far as the dum comment cigarettes kill but people STILL smoke!!are we regulated for smoking?????

Would you play hockey without a helmet?
Drive your car without your seatbelt?

It's only common sense. Why is this even a news story?

Have something to say about this? Log in or create an account to post a comment.