APRIL 2024 THE RIDER /27 Horseacholics February Meeting


75 true horselovers met for brunch at Horseacholics Anonymous Meeting at Southamption Golf and Country Club


By Ellen O’Reilly Well if you missed


our Horseacholics


Anonymous Meeting - what can I say but you missed a good time. This was a meeting


Shannon Zayachkowski


of 75 true horse lovers who were only too ready to laugh at themselves and their addiction. Sto- ries on mud events, standing ovations for the most hurt who still at- tended, mare stories, Jeff Foxworthy type “you are a horseacholic if’ and ac- knowledgements of your


The Kingmaker: How Northern Dancer Founded a Racing Dynasty, Updated Edition


By Avalyn Hunter Eclipse Press • 978-1-4930-8119-6 Paperback • April 2024 • $26.95 276 Pages • 40 Images Toronto industrialist and Thor-


oughbred breeder E.P. Taylor wanted to prove to the world that his native Canada could produce racehorses as good as any, and he backed up his be- lief by offering his own yearlings for sale. So he couldn’t have been happy when buyers in 1962 rejected a well- bred but small bay colt from his Wind- fields Farm consignment. But Taylor could hardly have envisioned the de- gree to which this seeming misfortune would boomerang in his favor. Ulti- mately, he would have the satisfaction of breeding, then racing the horse that would transform the international bloodstock market. Named Northern Dancer, the


sales reject proved his worth by win- ning the 1964 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes for Taylor. In doing so, he became a Canadian hero. And that was only the beginning. As a stal- lion, the diminutive Northern Dancer exerted a legendary influence on the breed, at one time commanding a mil- lion-dollar stud fee. International com-


world’s most coveted stallion and the dynasty he established through his sons. More than thirty years have passed since Northern Dancer’s death, and all of his sons are now gone as well; even most of his grandsons have passed from the scene. Yet the North- ern Dancer sire line shows no signs of fading.


About the Author: Avalyn Hunter’s love affair with


petition for his offspring created world records in the auction ring. Respected pedigree authority


Avalyn Hunter tells the compelling story of the fiery colt who towered over his peers and the humans who played supporting roles: legendary trainer Horatio Luro, jockeys Ron Tur- cotte and Bill Hartack, and Taylor himself. Hunter also chronicles North- ern Dancer’s ascendancy as the


Thoroughbred racehorses began in 1973, when Secretariat became the ninth American Triple Crown winner with a record-breaking victory in the Belmont Stakes. Since then, she has become a nationally recognized au- thority on Thoroughbred pedigrees and racing history whose work has ap- peared in The Blood-Horse, Thor- oughbred Times, Owner-Breeder International, Market Watch, New York Breeder, and Louisiana Horse. Her other books include American Classic Pedigrees 1914–2002, Dream Derby: The Myth and Legend of Black Gold, and The Kentucky Oaks: 150 Years of Running for the Lilies. Her website is www.american-


classicpedigrees.com Announcing Jenna MacDonell


By: Louise Frost Grand River Raceway


as the new Grand River Raceway Manager “I am honoured to as-


(GRR) is thrilled to wel- come Jenna MacDonell as the new Raceway Manager for the upcoming 2024 rac- ing season. With Jamie Martin re-


tiring after the 2022 race season, Chad Rozema was hired to wear the Raceway Manager hat for the 2023 season. Chad moved on from GRR late last year, but certainly won’t be a stranger to the track in his new role. Jenna will be noted as the first female Raceway Man- ager for GRR. Jenna, the daughter of


Harness Racing Hall of Famer Paul MacDonell, brings a lifetime of experi- ence


in standardbred


horseracing and a successful career in real estate sales to this role. She is a fourth-genera-


tion horseperson and grew up working with her fam- ily’s racehorses, learning the ins and outs of racehorse management. This early ex- posure sparked her passion for the industry. During her tenure at


the University of Guelph and after graduating, Jenna dedicated five years to vari- ous roles at Woodbine En- tertainment,


including


customer service and com- munication roles. This expe- rience provided her with a strong grasp of the racing sector from the ground up. Beyond her involvement in horseracing, Jenna has a successful career in the real estate industry. Her career encompasses a variety of skills in client care, market- ing, communications, and business management, mak- ing her an asset to the GRR team.


sume the position of Race- way Manager at Grand River Raceway, succeeding esteemed predecessors like Dr. Ted Clarke, Jamie Mar- tin, and Chad Rozema,” says Jenna MacDonell. “This year marks a signifi- cant milestone with the un- veiling of GRR’s new 5/8-mile track. I am eager to bring my passion for the sport alongside my profes- sional experience to what is sure to be an incredible sea- son of racing for our guests and participants.” “Jenna’s skill set will


add a fresh perspective to the Grand River Raceway team,” says Isaac Scott, VP, Finance, at Grand River Agricultural Society. “The GRR team looks forward to drawing on her wealth of experience in the horserac- ing industry as we get ready


addiction as a


horseacholic were all part of the day. Along with both a


funny song and a tribute to horses that we have lost by Shannon Zay- achkowski. The end of February


is always a time when many of us are question- ing our sanity for having these beasts so it was the perfect time to see you were not alone. There should be more of these meetings around the province.


Western Ontario Region Pony Club


Located in Western Ontario, we are a region of the Canadian Pony Club dedicated to developing the leaders of tomorrow through a nationally and internationally recognized program of equine education and life-long skills development. We


promote building strong character, sportsmanship, and loyalty in a friendly, inclusive environment.


Along with local branch and riding centre activities we hold region-wide competitions in Quiz, Rally, Tetrathlon, Dressage, Show Jumping, Prince Philip Games, Le Trec and host regular education sessions and an annual summer camp.


Join a local Branch or Riding Centre today!


E: wor@canadianponyclub.org wor.ponyclub.ca


Horseshoe Ranch


Norfolk County‘s newest horse


for an exciting race season with our larger 5/8-mile track!” GRR looks forward to


Jenna’s leadership and en- ergy as they move into the 2024 racing season. Mark your calendars for Wednes- day, June 5 for opening night and then follow us at www.grandriverraceway.co m to keep up to date with all of the special race dates!


enthusiast getaway destination.


Board your horse and stay, to ride our extensive and scenic trails.


Visit the nearby beautiful Lake Erie beaches, |and award winning wineries and heritage sites. We also offer trail rides, lessons and events


Open April -October To book your 2023 experience call Darlene!


P: (226) 268-5851 • E: horseshoeranchandriding@gmail.com 567 Charlotteville Rd 1, St Williams, ON


www.horseshoeranchovernight.com


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