Page 6 - December 2005 The Game
P. 6

6 The Game, December 2005 Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper
This is it. End of the year. As I write this, (November 24), racing has been cancelled again due to the elements. Driving home from my daughter's school play was a snow blowing, eye-squinting, "is this our road?" kind of night.
It doesn't take much to realize how vulnerable we are until we meet nature head on. Next month, most of the western world celebrates the birth of Christ, an incident over 2,000 years ago that was also vulnerable to the elements of this world. Most plays at churches and schools involve their own
unique take on Jesus' birth. Usually there are 3 Mary's, 4 Josephs and an unbelievable number of wise men. These are the things that make kid's plays worth going to. Unfortunately, we have embellished the Christmas story so it resembles kid's church plays as opposed to the original story. The following are Christmas myths:
a. The Bible says Mary rode a donkey to Bethlehem.
b. An uncompassionate inn-keeper said, "There's no room".
c. Three kings visited Jesus the night he was born. (3 alone here!)
d. Jesus was born in a stable.
e. Jesus was born on December 25.
f. Angels sang at Christmas
g. The Bible tells of three wise men that
traveled from afar on camels to visit the infant Jesus as he lay in the manger.
Over time, we've added our own twists to the birth of Christ and because most people don't know or don't bother to challenge the facts, they become part of the Christmas myth. Here is something that is not a myth: Jesus was born, under adverse conditions, was on the run as an infant and grew up in a blue-collar home. He lived like no one before him and no one since. Everything that mankind adhered to, He countered. Over and over He urged His followers to do what God said was right, not what desire, instinct and intuition told them to.
Desire says, "I want it". Jesus said "It is more blessed to give than to receive".
Instinct says, "Me first". Jesus said "The first will be last and the last will be first".
Intuition says, "I'll feel better if I get revenge". Jesus said "Do well to those who hate you".
We spend a long time together here in Ontario at our race tracks, especially here at Woodbine. Wouldn't it be great if we could spend next year focusing on these teachings of Jesus? Wherever you go, whatever you do this winter, God bless you and keep you until we meet again. Merry Christmas and have a Blessed New Year.
Get Tied On
with Chaplain Shawn
Fire Safety Award
On November 11, 2005, WEG’s Manager of Fire Safety Services, Bob Webb (third from right), presented the trainers and employees of Barn 1 with this year’s Barn Fire Safety Award of Excellence. Barn 1 is home for trainers Greg DeGannes, Sandy McPherson, John Ross and Tom O’Keefe and the award is presented to show appreciation for the efforts of all those who work in the barn who have displayed good fire safety and prevention methods throughout the year.
Bob admits that the majority of the barns on the backstretch adhere and respect the fire safety and prevention protocol and it is difficult to choose just one barn.
This is the second year for the award which looks at the criteria of proper storage of hay and straw; maintaining cleanliness in the shed rows; proper use and storage of electrical cords and compliance of the smoking rules among other factors of consideration.
WEG’s Manager of Fire Safety
Services, Bob Webb (left) presents
trainer Noel Randall with a Barn Fire
Safety Award of Excellence for his
role in helping to extinguish a fire on
the backstretch at Woodbine. In
August, trainers Noel Randall and
William Therannos grabbed water
hoses to douse the flames coming
from a disposal truck and disposal
bin which had caught fire after
flammable paint from cans leaked
down from the bin onto the hot
engine of the truck as it was being dumped. There were no reports of injury.
Both trainers received a plaque as recognition for their quick action in extinguishing the fire.
READE BAKER RACING STABLE INC.
Would like to express appreciation and thanks to all clients for their horses and support in 2005.
A Year in which we saw many Outstanding Winners.
Behind every winning performance is a dedicated team including our staff, jockeys, valets, veterinarians, blacksmiths, gate crew, pony riders, van companies and farms.
Thank you for your role in making this year a Career Best
As the curtain closes on the Woodbine live thoroughbred meet,
We Wish You and Your Family a Safe and Happy Holiday Season
Reade Baker & Janis Maine
News in Review
A fire at Fair Hill Training Centre in Maryland killed 22 horses on November 2, 2005. Investigators were still looking for the cause of the blaze which is believed to have started in a feed-storage section of the 40 stall barn which at the time housed 28 horses. There was no loss of human life.
DidYou Know....
That there was a rare finish in a $16,000 allowance race at Calder Racecourse on November 17. There was a dead- heat for first between With Essence and Inrightclassitime as well as a dead-heat for show between Master Con Artist and Heavenly Reward to. Understandably it took a little while for the tote system to post the official payouts which included a number of combinations.
See You at the Mixed Sale!
BitbyBit
Custom Made Silks, Coolers, Saddle Towels, Accessories & Gifts
Great Gifts for
Christmas
• Stocking Stuffers • Key Chains • Pens • Jackets • Vests
• Sweatshirts
• Custom Embroidery • Horse Calendars
or Call Today: 416-748-5869 or 1-866-448-5869
Bravo!


































































































   4   5   6   7   8