Behind the Gate

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Sackville Downs and Earl was unable to drive on this date. Paul drove eight hors— es that night and amazingly won six dashes! The track presented him with a beautiful plaque inscribed with the names of the six winners which he cher- ished. He proudly explained that that was one of the most memorable dates in his career. Another highlight in his career took place on August 15, 1995 when he accomplished something that many desire but few attain. He won the presti— gious Gold Cup and Saucer with the tal— ented Little Blacle Boo/e. Since joining the elite but small group that have won this coveted race, Paul was determined to join the very select few who have won it more than once. No matter what his busy schedule in Ontario dictated, he always returned for Old Home Week on Prince Edward Island. His wife, Kathy and daughters, Hillary and Tayler also enjoyed a return visit with family and friends each August.

In 2002, one of the biggest changes that Paul noticed in harness racing was in the breeding. He explained, “The blood lines are so fine and so close. Now they come out pacing right away and they breed them for speed. A big change in the industry recently in Ontario would be the introduction of the slots. The slots have revived the industry in Ontario. They are keeping the small tracks alive. They are bringing in new horse owners and help— ing to keep the Simulcasting is also helping but the slots are number one. The Maritimes need a

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Paul :f-Mac' ”Eenzie new gimmick like the slots to get new faces and to generate money."

What did Paul MacKenzie like most about horse racing? He answered with— out hesitation, “Good friends, good fun and good money. I enjoy the competi- tive nature of the game. I get keyed up for ever race not just the big ones. Naturally you get pumped for the big ones a little extra like when they put the spotlight on you for the post parade in the Gold Cup and Saucer. The Island Hymn Faith McKenney sings has always given me goose bumps. I have been in million dollar races but they don‘t put on a show like they do at the GDP. for the Gold Cup and Saucer." Every year he tried to take someone new to P.E.I. for the big race and he stated that everyone that came always wanted to return and this included some big names. Paul con— tinued, “It's done up right. From the time of the Trials ‘til the big race, it's all they talk about all week. When I brought the Millars up. they couldn't believe how well they were treated. They were treat- ed like royalty. They would stop at a corner store and hear people talking about Little Blade Boole. _Iody jamieson, Mark Megens and Paul Cameron came up and I am sure they will return."

What Paul liked least about the game was the fact that you have to be at it seven days a week. You can't shut it down on Friday for the weekend like many other jobs. Your quality time with family suf— fers because the horses require a total

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