Page 11 - September 2005 The Game

Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper The Game, September 2005 11
Combating Burn Out
By Kelly MacKay
If the months of the racing season were comparative to furlongs in a race, September would be the three eights to the quarter pole, an important part in the race, but also a point of fatigue.
If you are hitting the snooze button a few extra times in the morning, it may be a sign you need some freshening up. A day off in our industry is a rare thing. Many of us take pride in the fact that we work seven days a week. In fact, because our sport includes being responsible for the well being of valuable animals, there is a lot of guilt placed upon us for admitting we need down time. However as the old saying goes, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
Instead of sleeping or catching up on laundry on your next afternoon off, spend a little time exploring off-shoot interests or going some place you have never been before.
Carmen Micallel, who grooms for John Mackenzie explains, when she gets short-tempered she looks forward to taking her dog, Sandy, for a drive north to Wasaga Beach for a getaway.
Hermann Widmer, exercise rider for Mark Frostad, reveals one of his solutions when he is feeling cantanker- ous: He recently took his family camping to Claireville Conservation Area on his day off. It is a few minutes away from his home but it was just what the doctor ordered.
So what else can you do to shake yourself up?
Chaplain Shawn invites everyone with musical interests to join him and fellow back stretchers for a jam on Sunday. Even if you have never played an instrument before you can join in the fun and learn with your peers.
Tina Wilcox, assistant to Joe “Red” Johnson, says, “We work so hard in this business that we forget how to play.” Tina and her granddaughter have taken full advantage of the reciprocal program and recommend every one do the same.
The HBPA, and Attractions Ontario reciprocal program, offers licensed racetrack employees a range of discounts and free admission deals to a number of attractions across Ontario including: The Hockey Hall of Fame, CN Tower, and cruises on the Mariposa Cruise Lines. Some of the adventures awaiting Fort Erie residents include the Journey behind the Falls tour, a Whirlpool Jet Boat tour, and of course a look inside Old Fort Erie. Check with your HBPA office for the complete list of participating sponsors and bring your badge along when you visit.
If inspiration is what you are looking for to keep you motivated. A short drive to Windfields farm in Oshawa to pay your respects to the great Northern Dancer just may do the trick. Northern Dancer’s final resting place is beside other greats such as Vice Regent, Canadiana, Archer Bay and more. Windfields farm is open to the public daily from 1- 3 pm. You can see the stall where the Dancer was born, walk around the grounds and feel the nostalgia of a by-gone era.
Why not visit the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame located just inside the West Entrance of the Woodbine grandstand. You can read about the latest inductees as well as check out “the way we were” pictorial wall of racing past.
The Hall of Fame website provides a chronological list of historical racetracks that have operated in Toronto. Go on a treasure hunt using the information provided and consult with a city street map. Ask a few question and you will be well on your way to pin pointing the locations of the former race tracks. Take the time to find the marker that locates part of the old entrance gate to Long Branch Racetrack on Horner Avenue just west of Kipling Avenue. I tromped through the ditch and pushed aside some undergrowth and
viola there it was.
It is up for debate whether an old wooden fence behind
Dufferin Mall is part of the original fence that surrounded Dufferin Racetrack. Scarlett’s Simcoe Chase Course - somewhere there is a stand of trees by the Humber River that could have been the starting point. Hillcrest Park, Thorncliffe, and St. Leger still await me.
With a little creativity and enthusiasm you can make your own fun and help to raise your spirits for the final furlongs of the season.
Stephen Millar
BLOODSTOCK
~ Helping You Find Your Champion ~
Horses Bought & Sold at Any Level
Now accepting clients for the 2005 Fall Sales Lexington - Toronto
Call Stephen Millar
647-282-0554
Experience the Party of the Year!
S
Black White
Tickets
$200 per person or $1500 for table of eight
Contact LongRun 416-675-3993, ext 3440 for more information
&
GALA
Friday, September 23, 2005
at the Woodbine Trackside Tent
Plated Dinner Open Bar
Exciting Auction Live Entertainment Lavish Prizes
& More!
Immune Booster for Overall Health
HEALTHY HORSE 4 IN 1
Introducing yearlings into your stable can also introduce new viruses to your barn. Putting your racehorses on Healthy Horse can greatly reduce or lessen the duration of sickness at this time of year.
EQUINE HEALTHY HORSE is a 4 in 1 solution which contains four of our best selling products: HEMEX (blood builder), IMMUNE PLUS, LIVER FLUSH and LUNG FLUSH
HEALTHY HORSE is a blood builder, immune booster, liver and lung cleanser in one convenient package. HEALTHY HORSE boosts immune function and cleanses the organs for increased energy and less down time and used regularly it promotes the major components for overall system support.
Helping Equine Athletes Reach Their Full Potential
TRY EQUINE HEALTHY HORSE TODAY!
Call today about our full line of products or visit us on line at www.macleod-equine.com
MacLeod Equine • John MacLeod • 1-888-395-0006 Patti Hanco • 416-995-7940 • E-mail: pattihanco@aol.com
Also Available at: Merrills Tack & Supply; Greenhawk; Minor Bros.; McCarron Feeds; Shirley & Steve Wells; Dr. Steve Smith, Assiniboia Downs
Dealer inquiries welcome
‘