Written by John Doolan.

After continually badgering the Doctor, he was given the okay to go back home. The trouble was though; he didn’t really know where home was.

Home, it turned out, was his Mothers Farm. John’s parents had the nice big Farm in Markham, and they welcomed John and Corrine and the children to stay there until they could find somewhere else.

Things worked out pretty well at the Farm, but both John and Corrine wanted their own place.

“Okay” said Corrine one day, “we have been Okayed for Ontario Housing and we have an Apartment to move into” “Well that’s great” said Yetti. “Now you’ll have your own home”

So they moved in, and for the first little while everything seemed okay.

However, for all concerned. Life had changed dramatically.  After all that struggling to make it in the business and partial success, John had become a Disabled person with no future. Or so everyone thought.

John and Corrine soon began to have a few disagreements, and she began to “have to go somewhere” quite often leaving John with the kids.

There was a Quarter horse Banquet coming up and John and Corrine both wanted to attend. However, on the day of the Banquet John wasn’t feeling too good and said he didn’t think he was well enough to go. “I’ll go” said Corrine. “I’ll get all the information for you”

“That sounds great” replied John. “I’ll stay here with the kids”

And so it was. Corrine left after supper and headed out in the Cadillac to the Banquet.

John and the kids were watching TV, it was getting late and he figured Corrine would be home soon. Suddenly the phone rang. “Hello” said John when he picked it up. “John” came the voice of a Jockey friend of his that was at the Banquet. “John” he repeated. “Can’t you get out here and get that slut wife of yours home. Ralph Pearson has been getting her drunk all evening. He took her to a room in the Hotel, made love to her over and over, then came out and told his friends to go in and get a free Jump. John explained how he was with the kids and Corrine had the Car. He thanked his friend for telling him and hung up.

The hours passed and Corrine didn’t come home. He put the girls to bed and just sat and waited.

Around 2am in came Corrine. “I’m sorry I’m late” she said, “but the Car broke down” John wanted to laugh at that time, but he felt too angry inside. “I’m tired” said Corrine, “let’s get to bed” John didn’t say anything about the phone call he had got earlier. He just let Corrine babble on with her lies and they went to bed. But John was just fuming inside. He wanted to scream and do something bad. But he was able to control himself and instead just sat on the side of the bed.

It was almost 5am when John finally came to a decision. He stood up, walked into the kid’s room, gave them both a gentle kiss on the cheek and walked out of the Apartment and drove up to the Farm. It was quiet up there and everyone was still sleeping. John let himself in quietly, just laid on the Couch and fell asleep.

A little later John’s sister saw him lying on the couch. “Mom” she said to Yetti, “John’s here. He’s sleeping on the couch in the living room” Yetti stopped what she was doing and went in. “John honey” she said. “How come you’re up here?”

John explained things to her. “Well I hope I can still see my Grandchildren” she said. “I’ll phone Corrine and tell her you’re here”  “Don’t bother” said John sitting up. “I don’t want anything to do with that *^&$ anymore.  She can go see Ralph Pearson. “Look John” said his Mother. “Your sister Gloria will make you a Coffee, I am going to call Corrine” and she walked over to the phone. John went with Gloria into the Kitchen and had a Coffee.

“Okay” said Yetti as she walked into the kitchen. “George is going down to pick her and the kids up later, let’s see if we can sort all this out”

“Look Mother” said John. “Don’t try to patronise me or Corrine. I think this has been coming for a while. We just haven’t been getting along too well”  “But your Angry right now” said Yetti. “Maybe when you calm down a bit it will seem different?”  “No” said John. “I’m not interested in her now. She’s done me dirty for the last time, and I’m sick and tired of her treating me like a half wit and trying to lie to me. No, I’m not interested in making up with her, I just wonder what will happen to those poor kids who didn’t have anything to do with this”

So George went and got Corrine and the kids and brought them up to the Farm. John and the kids hugged, but he just looked daggers at Corrine who gave the impression she was quite happy without John and could make her own life. She, along with a few others, such as Ralph Pearson, figured that was it for John, he would be just a “has been” for the rest of his disabled life. But they didn’t know John as well as they thought.

Time passed. John stayed at the Farm and Corrine carried on with her own life. John wanted the girls up at the Farm, but Corrine said “no” she would take care of them. And so it was. Every week or so Corrine, who now had her own Car, would bring the kids up to the Farm to see Yetti and George, but she and John didn’t even speak.

As the weeks and months moved along and John began to improve health wise, he found he wanted to get out more and mingle. Greenwood Race Track was one of the places he wanted to go. He had a lot of friends at the Track, but it was quite a run from Markham being right on the Lake in Toronto.

“My Parents live right across from Greenwood” said George over supper one night. “If they okay it” he continued, “how would you like to go live down there?

You could Walk to Greenwood then”  “I’d like that” said John. “Do you think they’d agree to it?”  “Well I can only ask” said George. “I’ll ask them when they come up this weekend”

And so it was. Both Eddie and Stashia. Georges Parents agreed, and by the next Wednesday John had moved into their house across from Greenwood.

Thursday Morning he walked across the Road, down a side road and into the Backstretch of the Track. “Hey John!” said Security on the Backstretch Gate that new him. “How you doing buddy. Haven’t seen you for some time. Sorry about that accident”

John speech had improved some, and after a few minutes they could understand him. “Can I go in to see some friends?” he asked. “Why sure” said the Guard they called Big George, “just go right ahead”

Be headed straight for the Kitchen where he knew a lot of people would be including Bruce that ran the Kitchen and his wife Sharon.  But on the way there about 20 people called out and said HI to him.  It made him feel pretty good.

For the next few days he was at Greenwood by around 6:30 each morning, He just walked around each morning getting his body used to moving and the early morning fresh air.

“How’d you like to hold a Horse for me while I wash it down” said a Trainer friend Norm Bowles. “I’m in Barn 10. Let’s say about 9 o’clock”  “You got it” said John. “I’d love to get back being around the Horses”  “I tell you what” said Norm. “If you think you can handle it, then you can Walk the Horse around the Barn till it dries out. I’ll pay you for it of course.  “9 o’clock Norm” said John. “I’ll be there”

Sure enough, just before 9 John walked into the Barn. “Okay” said Norm, “he’s out on the Track, but he should be back in a few minutes”

Sure enough. A few minutes later in comes a good looking Bay horse. “Here we go” said Norm as he took the Reins and the Exercise Rider jumped down. “We’ll just get this Saddle off and you can take him over to where the Hose is.

After taking off the Saddle and Bridle, then putting a Halter on the Horse and a Lead Shank, Norm handed John the Lead Shank. “Here he is” said Norm. “Do you think you can handle him okay? He’s pretty good though”

And he was just like Norm had said, pretty good. John had no trouble with him. “Well” said Norm after the Horse had been washed down. “Do you want to try walking him around for 20 or 30 minutes?”  “I’d love to” said John, and led the horse away.

By 10:00 John had walked 3 Horses for Norm. “Well” said Norm in the Kitchen where they went for Coffee after the work was done. “How did it feel to be back here?”  “Just great” said John. “With that first horse my left side was hurting a little. But with the second horse just a little. And when I took the third horse I felt pretty good all around”  “That’s good” replied Norm. “Then come back tomorrow and do it again”

And so it was…John got himself a Hotwalkers License and was back at the Track every day. He walked some of Norm’s Horses, but as he got more into it he began to Walk other Trainers Horses. Then one day, a Trainer called Rudy offered him a full time Job as a Hotwalker so he took it.

He started work at 6am and worked until about 11:00. He would Walk the Horses, Rake up the Barn and more. And he just loved it.

He had now been able to get his Car back on the Road again because he could afford the Insurance and the Gas. And as soon as the old Picov Downs opened he was out there. Most Sunday’s he’d just go out there alone, but when he got there he knew them all.

Greenwood had closed until the Fall in 1979,  and after talking to his old Jockey friend Lorne McMaster, who was still riding at Picov Downs, it was agreed that John should move into Lorne’s place with his Wife Elli may and he. They had some children as well, but it was

a very Big house with plenty of room. So he moved in, and every Sunday would be at Picov Downs which now, was just down the road about 10 minutes’ drive away.

Things were going well and he really liked Lorne and his Family, they were good people.

One day John got a Letter from a Lawyer in Ohio telling him that his Suite against those that caused his accident was due to be heard in about a month. “Aw heck, I’m sorry John” said Lorne, “but we are moving in a couple of weeks down to Hamilton. Your welcome to join us if you want”  “Well no, but thanks” said John. “I should stay around this area now”

So when Lorne and Elli were ready to move, John moved back to his Mothers at the Farm.

Maybe two weeks later he got another Letter from the Lawyer. “Mr Doolan” it said. “If you can give us your Bank Account number, we will forward your $75,000-00 you received from the court settlement. Actually the Settlement was for $130,000-00, but our fee was $30,000. and Corrine was given $25,000-00 for “loss of service” So that leaves your $75,000-00.

The money arrived a few day’s later into John’s Bank account and he felt a sudden relief.

“Do you know what your going to do now?” said his Mother. “I’m not sure” said John. “How would you like to take a nice Holiday with George some place?”  “No” replied his Mother. “That’s not what that money Is for. Don’t just throw it away. “You” use it to get yourself well again. Do “not” just give it away. Use it to better “your” life. We’re all doing fine”

Well, although that may have seemed a little wrong at first, when he took time to sit and think deeply, he realized his mother was 100% correct. So he decided to use it solely for getting well again.  But most of whom he spoke with said he should just accept his physical problem as how it is now. But John did not except it. It just made him more determined to, at least try and get well again.

For the next Month or so he firstly visited the local Library, then came to a conclusion. He figured that he needed seclusion so he could do what “he” felt was right. Doctors were up on most al of the Brain and its functions, but “nobody” knew what he was thinking. So after a little while he contacted a friend in Real Estate and explained what he wanted to purchase. His friend Vic Drury said he just had the perfect place come on the market, just as John described. A small 2 Bedroom Cottage on Lake Scugog in a little place called Caesarea,  “and you can pick it up for just $10,000-00” said Vic. “An older couple that died left it to their son but he didn’t want it as he already has a Cottage. He also had a Family and it wasn’t big enough for them so he just decided to sell it. It’s a real good price too” he said.

“I think I’ll look at it if I can” said John. “And if I like it you have a buyer”

Well, he just loved it. It seemed perfect for what he wanted. So within two days he became the owner of a Cottage on Lake Scugog and moved straight in. There was even some of the furniture still there from the older couple, so other than cleaning the place up, he had little else to get. Except a good Television that is.  He also got a Telephone put in so he could keep in touch with his Family, his Mom and Dad, Sisters and Brother.

Each morning he would go down by the lake and work out, do a little Jogging and Walking, then make his way into Port Perry where he walked around and met some real nice people.

Also, a few weeks after moving in, he met the Family across the road that also had a son named John. They all became friends, and their son often helped John with little chores such as Grass Cutting, Trimming the Tree’s and more.  But every day John was working out, walking and jogging. His Left Leg was doing good and almost back at 100%. But he was still having trouble with his left Arm. It had improved yes, but not as much as John wanted. So he purchased all the Books he could find on the Human Brain and how the Muscles worked in the Human Body. Then sat and read continually. But whilst he was learning everything, he was still working out and his left leg soon returned to normal with no problems.

After studying all winter, John realised that if he got into the “Water” it would help him. But he’s having to wait until late July or August to do that. So he did just that, and when it got warm enough he ventured into the shallows of Lake Scugog.

He would wade out until the Water got to his Shoulders. He’d raise himself a little and try to swim using the Breast Stroke. But, because of his left arm not working as his right arm did, all he did was swim around in a circle. Later his friends and he had quite a chuckle over that.

But that swimming around in a circle was only for two days. By the third day he was able to swim in “almost” a straight line. But, he could not go to any water that went over his Shoulders. He still wasn’t that good.

A few months later though, he decided to go to a Swimming Pool to try it out. Lake Scugog was getting pretty cool, so he moved to an indoor pool in town.

And that’s how it was for the next few years. But by 1980 he had complete control of both his Arms and Legs. He was back again.

Because of what had happened to him physically he had been suspended from Driving. So he took a Regular Driving Test and passed it first time. Now he was back driving again. He had also learned to Type and, became quite interested in “Writing” plus, he had become a regular at a Stable close by.  And at that Stable he was soon back riding Horses again. Perhaps not Race Horses, but Horses all the same. As a matter of fact he rode in Three Horse Shows and won Two of them. That did a great deal to booster his self-confidence, and he felt he was ready to leave the Cottage and get back into the mainstream of life again.

Both John and Vic his real estate friend had remained friends all this time. And when he heard Vic’s son Greg was getting married he decided to give him the Cottage as a Wedding Present and buy a place back in the City.

After a couple of day’s looking around he decided in a one Bedroom Apartment in a new place called “Crescent Town” located at Victoria Park and Danforth Road in Toronto and moved in there.

After a couple of days of looking around at the place, he decided to purchase a small Electric Typewriter and got back into writing. After several months of learning to Type effectively and after thinking about it, he applied at Ryerson University to take a course for his BA in Journalism.

Then, following Ryerson he began writing lots of Articles for a variety of Newspapers and Magazines. Some were accepted but some were not.  One day though, he met a man that introduced himself as being from a small TV Station in Toronto. “Mr Doolan” he said, “due to your extensive background with Horses. We were just wondering if you feel you could write a show about horses for us?”  “Hmm” said John, “I don’t really know. I’ve never ever thought about writing for Television. I don’t know if I could?”  “I think with your background it would be pretty easy” said the man. “Can you think of something unusual that the public might like?”  “Unusual” said John. “There are a lot of “unusual” things with Horses”

The man gave John his phone number and said to call him the next day. John thanked him, stuffed the paper with his number on it in his back pocket and almost forgot about it.

That is until two days later when he saw an Advertisement for a Riding School that helped the Disabled. He had forgotten all about the place, but he had spent some time there soon after he came out of Hospital. “That’s it” he thought. “That would make a good TV Show”

So before long he had phoned the man from the TV place. “Sounds good” said the man. “Let’s work on that. I tell you what” he continued, “lets meet in that nice Restaurant in Crescent Town this morning and we can discuss the Show. And so it came about. After discussing it with him, and getting the okay from the stable called CARD, which stands for the Canadian Association of Riding for the Disabled, the Cameras were soon rolling and John was writing his first of two TV Shows about how Horses help Disabled people in a variety of ways.

And again, it was a terrific boost to John’s confidence in himself.

Now he was back living in the city again. He had a Car and decided to pay both Greenwood and Woodbine a visit.

“I was reading about what you’ve been doing in the Paper” said one of the Grooms he knew. You should do something about Greenwood” “You know your right” said John. “But I’d have to get the okay from the Jockey Club” “Oh yes” said the Groom. “And I don’t think they’d be interested so forget it”

That evening John got to thinking about the Grooms idea. “Maybe not a TV Show” he thought, “but what about a Backstretch Newspaper. They don’t have one just for the Backstretch, and boy oh boy there’s a lot that goes on back there that no-one knows anything about. I wonder”

So the next day he proposed the idea to the Racing secretary. “Hmm” he said. “You know that just might go down well in the Backstretch, But “only” in the Backstretch, nowhere else”

So the next week or so he began to gather material from the Backstretch and the people knew it was coming. “We need one of these out at Picov Downs” said Phil Mies when he saw it. “Your right” said John with a light suddenly coming on in his head. This would be ideal out at Picov Downs.

So the following Sunday he headed out there and put the idea forward. “Yes” they said. “If he wanted to do like a Newsletter for the track, then that’s fine. Go right ahead”

The Greenwood Thoroughbred Track had told him “no” when he asked if he could include his Race Selections in the Newsletter. But Picov Downs told him “yes” he could include them if he so wished. So he did. Each week he would include a Story and Profile someone on the Backstretches of Greenwood and Picov Downs. But the Publication at Picov Downs would include both Picov Downs Selections plus any Big Thoroughbred Races as well. Maybe it was because of John’s life time of being around Race Horses in virtually every category, but his Selections it turned out, were much better than any of those highly paid Handicappers. And soon the Jockey Club informed him that now he was allowed to include his Thoroughbred Selections as well. Also, when Greenwood closed its Gates for good, John was also given the green light to transfer up to Woodbine, He could also sell in the Woodbine Grandstand as well. “My god” said his Mother. Who would have ever thought it? I’m having trouble believing it myself” John was real pleased of course. But he didn’t have a clue how bad it was going to get for a while, then just how good it was going to get.

John had met a girl in the Rehab. But Corrine was still around so he and Peggy were just friends. But one day he had met Peggy by chance and they soon became Husband and Wife. A union that lasted for 20 years until Peggy passed away because of a thing called Encephalitis, a virus that goes to the Brain and destroys Brain Cells.

Peggy had been a big part of helping John produce the Publications each week. One for Thoroughbreds and one for Quarter horses. And he found it hard to have to manage everything. So after doing a lot of soul searching and figures, he decided to give up Woodbine. It was the biggest Money maker but, he had a lot of background with Picov Downs so he stayed there.

Each week following Peggy’s death he was out at Picov Downs. Everyone there knew Peggy and gave their condolences, and that helped a lot.

A couple of years passed, and after being a  regular at the Donut Store across the road, he got to know several  other regulars. One of them, a younger guy called Brett, lived with his Sister just down the road. John and Brett became friends, and one day he met Brett’s Sister.  Her name was “Jo-Anne” and John took an instant liking to her and, it wasn’t long before they were Husband and Wife. Let me explain.

                                                                                          One day Brett told John that they would have to move soon as the Rent was going to be just too high. John asked where they were going to move to? “I don’t know” said Brett. “Everything is so expensive now. I don’t know where we’re going to go”  “Well if she wants” said John, “Jo-Anne would be welcome to stay at my place. But what will you do?” “Well I can go to my Brother Georges place for a bit” said Brett. “Then I’ll get my own place”

So, the next week Jo-Anne moved in with John,  and Brett moved in with Brother George. Things seemed to be going well. And one evening, after Brett’s name had come up, and after some talk, they both agreed that Brett could move back in with them. They both felt he would be a great helper in a variety of ways. So within the week he was back with them.

Jo-Anne needed a new Car. So John gave her the Grand AM he had but rarely used. He felt instead of just sitting in the Underground and costing him $50-00 a month to do so. They may as well use it towards a nice new on

So Jo-Anne got a new Car and was able to travel the 80 miles to where her company had moved to. On the Weekends she took John where he had to go on a Sunday and did the Shopping on a Saturday.  Brett did the Cooking, the Washing plus other things around the Apartment. Things were working out good for all three.

In 2008 the old Picov Downs was scheduled to be closed in favour of a new 60 million Dollar Race Track to be built, so John figured it was the end of his Publication. And it was. It was the end of his Publication. But better things were coming.

A little before the old Picov Downs was to close, Mr Ken Richards the operations manager at the new track enquired if John would like to work at the new Race Track as the Track Writer Reporter and Handicapper. They discussed the Payment, agreed on a set pay check, and John was now in Business.

A few years previous John had picked up a nice Computer and, with the help of his friend was soon able to be a regular user.  At first the learning was pretty slow. It was all completely new to him at his age. But he learned and, even included a Printer now as well.

So now he became a regular Journalist during the winter months, then a Writer Reporter during the summer at the Race Track and, acquired quite a following at the Track. Most every horse he suggested could win, would go off as the favourite.

About three quarters of the way through the final Season at old Picov Downs, John was asked if he would like to be the Writer/Reporter and Handicapper at the new 60 million Dollar Ajax Downs Race Track with his Writings and Selections right in the Program for the Public.

“Hmmm. I like that idea” thought John. “I could do that easily”

And so it was. In 2009 the new Track opened, and as promised by Ken Richards John became the Track Handicapper. He also wrote Articles for the Program as well and was

Licensed for such by the Ontario Racing Commission. Now he was a Licensed Professional again and not simply a “has been” And within just one year he had a large following at the Race Track because his Selections were so accurate and were making people Money.

From the 217 Races run at Ajax Downs in 2010, John’s Selections produced 732 Correct

Predictions and almost $12,000-00. Then in 2011, from the 343 Races run his Selections

Produced another  $13,000-00 plus. And his followers grew even larger.

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Written by John Doolan.

At Woodbine, one of John’s good friends was a Jockey named Noel Turcot, and over Coffee when they had finished galloping horses John mentioned it. “I wouldn’t ride those horses” said Noel. “I went up to the Circle M one day to see them/ Man” he said. “You just wouldn’t believe what goes on with those Horses. They’re a bunch of nuts. And the guys riding them are the same. I don’t think they have any rules or restrictions. It’s just everyman, and Horse for him or herself. Anything goes. Stay away; you’ll get killed riding them”

John repeated what Noel said to George when he got home. “Yea” said George. “But that’s up at Albert Greco’s Circle M Ranch just north of Woodbine.  This new Track is Alex Picov’s place out in Pickering and its improved some I think. I don’t think they’re gonna allow the horses to be doped up out there. Well, not so you’d notice anyway”  “Sounds like it could be a whole lot of fun” said John. “I’m looking forward to it”

Around 11:30 they jumped in the Car and headed out to Picov Downs. After about 20 minutes of going down a whole slew of Country Roads John turned to George. “Do you know where we’re going?” he said. “Oh yes” replied George. “I know exactly where it is. Fred Dickey who works for Mr Picov told me all about it. We should be coming to Highway No2 in a minute” he continued. Then it’s only maybe 8 or 10 minutes away”

Sure enough, about 10 minutes later George began to slow the Car down. “There you go John” he said. “That’s Picov Downs on your left” John looked over. “Sorry George” he said. “I don’t see any Race Track. I just see some Tree’s, an old Barn and a Path of some sort” “Well that’s it” replied George with a smile. “That’s the Track”  “No stop kidding” said John. “I suppose the Track is just out of sight”  “John my friend” said George as he slowed down and turned into an old Field. “I’m not giving you any BS. “This” is the Track”

“But it can’t be” said John. “I don’t see any Track? I don’t see any Rails or even a Starting Gate. I see a couple of Horse Trailers, but where are the Barns?” “That’s what I’m trying to tell you” said George. This is a Quarter horse Track. It’s Bush Track Racing and “nothing” like you’ve ever been used to. Do you want to go home?”

John looked over at George. “You’ve got to be kidding. There’s no way I want to go home. I think I’ll just love it here”

They were just sitting smoking a Cigarette. “Hey John” said George. “I see Jerry Garnet has just come in. I know Jerry pretty well. Let’s see if he’ll ride you today” John got out of the car and followed George. “I can’t George” said Jerry. “I don’t have a horse yet. I’m just helping Fred Dickey with his horse Hey Highjacker. He can run too”  “Well has Fred got anyone to ride him” asked George. “Sure” said Jerry. “I think Peter Garret is going to ride him.

Suddenly they heard some yelling and screaming and they spun around. “You dumb stupid %@# +&  ! &@$(^ said someone to a Horse that had just crashed its way through a Fence and knocked a Door on the Barn off its Hinges. “Look” said a short heavy set man with Jeans and a Cowboy Hat. “Look what than stupid horse did. And now he’s all cut up. Jesus wept” he continued. “What do I do now?” Before George could answer, the booming voice of Albert Greco came across the field. “George” he called out. Wanna get your Butt over here I’ve been looking for you” “I don’t know what you should do” said George to the guy in the Hat, “but I have to go now. Come on John” he said. “I think you may have a mount”

They walked over to Albert and Albert and George shook hands. “Is this your Boy?” said Albert to George. “Yep” said George, “this is John” Albert and John shook hands. “I think I have a horse you can get on” he said to John. “She’s not a bad filly. A lady who keeps her up at my place thinks she can run a bit. So we’re putting her in the first race to see if she’s any good. If you want to ride her that’s fine. If not I’ll see Phil Miles or Peter Garret” George looked over at John, but before he could say anything John answered Albert. Of course I’ll ride here” he said. Where’s the Jockey’s Room?” Both Albert and George burst out laughing. “Hell George” said Albert. Didn’t you tell him anything about this place?”  “Well I told him some” said George between laughs. “I told him it’s a lot different than those Thoroughbreds he’s been riding”

“John” said Albert turning back to him. This is much, much different from Woodbine. So different in fact, that it’s not even legal. There are No Starting Gates, we don’t have any Camera’s,  we run em down that Dirt Path over there, there’s no Rails, virtually no rules and I am the Announcer without a Microphone plus the Judge and the Steward. If I say a horse has won, then it’s won. Don’t argue”  “Well where do I get my Jockey License?” said John. “You can ride a Horse can’t you” said Albert. “That’s good enough for me”  “Okay” said John. “How much do we get paid for riding?”  “Paid” said Albert. “Well I don’t know. That’s between you and the Trainer or Owner. Some get maybe $5-00 but some get nothing.

“I’d expect to get paid” said John.  “But for $5-00 I wouldn’t even consider it”  “John” said Albert. “That’s all they pay amateur riders. You’re a professional, a real Jockey. You

Can get more than $5-00. Tell you what” continued Albert, “if you ride a little filly I have at the Barn, I’ll pay you $10-00. And “if” you should win the race, which I don’t think she can do, then I’ll give you $20-00. How’s that?” “Well I don’t know” replied John. “To be perfectly frank I just wanted to get some Starting Gate experience. But seeing as you don’t even have a Starting Gate here, I don’t think it can help?”

“Well that’s where you’re wrong” said George. “These quarter horses can outbreak any Thoroughbred. They start much faster than Thoroughbreds. If you want to learn how to get a Horse away quickly, then get riding Quarter horses.

“I’ll ride the Filly” said John, “but I want to win on her as well” Albert chuckled. “Okay John” he said.  “I’ll name you on the Filly”

“Do they have any Jockey Pants in the Jock’s Room” said John looking at Albert. “Because all my stuff is up at Woodbine”  “John” butted in George. “I told you this was nothing like what you’ve been used to. This is “Bush Track” racing. The Jock’s room is in your Car or the back of a Trailer, and your Jeans are good enough to ride in” “Well what about Silks?” asked John. “You have a T Shirt” said George, “that’s good enough” So on that first day of Picov Downs, John had a mount, his only one, aboard a small sort of Filly that hadn’t raced before.

The place was beginning to get a little busier now, and a couple of young guys kept looking over at him. “Hello” he said as he walked up to them.  “I’m John, I’m riding Albert’s in the first race. “I’m Phil Miles” said the shorter of the two “and this is Peter, Peter Garrett”

“Well hi both of you. Have you ever ridden these Quarter horses before?” “Yes” said Peter, we rode out at Albert’s Circle M Ranch. What are you riding in the first?” “Well I’m not sure of her name” replied John. “All I know is that it’s a Filly and she’s trained by Albert Greco.

‘Well fine” said Peter, “but just make sure you don’t get in my way. I’m gonna win the first race” “No you’re not” said Phil.  “You’ll be Second behind me” John liked these two guys. “Well you’re both wrong” he said. “You’ll both be behind me” That’s when all three of them became good friends.

“Hey John” said Phil as the time to race was getting close. “I don’t suppose you have a spare Saddle in your Car do you” “No I don’t” said John. “Don’t the Owners supply everything?” “You have to be kidding” said Peter who had overheard Phil. “Some of these Owner/Trainers have never even seen a Race, let alone Train horses or have any equipment” “I’ve got one” said another young guy that came up to them. John later found out his name was Bob Quinn. “I’ve got one in my Truck” said Bob.  “But I’m not running my horse until the third race. If you like you can borrow it”  “Gees thanks” said Phil. “Let’s get it now” “No problem” said Bob and off they went.   John looked at Peter. “Boy is it ever different from what I’ve been used to in Horse Racing” Peter chuckled and said “No, this sure aint England is it”

A few minutes later John saw Joey Greco, Albert’s son, beckoning him over to where they were with a Horse. So he walked over. “Are you sure it’s okay for me to ride in Jeans and Tee Shirt” he said. “Everyone else is” said Joe, “maybe someday it will be different. Who knows” But right now give me a hand to put the Saddle on this Filly. “She’s pretty quiet isn’t she” said John. “Yea said Joey. “But once you get on her she’ll liven up I hope” “How many races has she had?” asked John. “None” said Joey. “This is her first ever. But I’ve seen her in the field and she’s pretty quick but,  I don’t know how she’ll run against other horses  and all that  yelling and screaming that’s bound to go on. She might just stop I don’t know”

“Hmm” thought John. “I’ll have to do some thinking here”

A few minutes later, after helping Joey saddle the filly, he was up in the Saddle and taking her down the Path to warm her up. “I hope I can get this horse away quick” said Phil Mles one of the other riders. I don’t think anyone will pass him if I can get him off quick at the start. He’s a little scared of other horses”  “That’s it” thought John. “This Filly is going to be scared stiff having never been in a race. But if I get her away quick, she’ll just keep running from all that noise behind her”

The Horses were warmed up and they all began to get into as straight a line as possible. There was no Starting Gate, and the Track, as such, was only about 15 or 20 feet wide.

There was a short, heavy set man standing with one hand raised in the air and the other holding a Can of Beer.  “Okay you guys” he yelled out, “No one goes until I drop my Arm and yell out Go!” “Well hurry up” called out Peter. This &%&$*% wants to just go. I can’t hold him back much longer.

John never took his eyes off the Guy who was starting them. And as soon as he saw the guys Arm start to move, he yelled and threw himself forward on the Filly. She just flew away, and as soon as John gathered himself up he began yelling at her to go, go go. The Filly, as well as hearing John screaming and feeling his Whip.  Could also hear all the other Jockey’s yelling and screaming plus the other Horses thundering down the Track beside and behind her. And it scared her enough to put everything she had into running away from it all.

The Filly crossed the finish in front. “Great” thought John. “We won the race. All I have to do now is pull her up” He managed to slow her down a little and Peter Garret came up alongside of him. “John” he called out. “Did you know she could run that fast and just didn’t want to tell us?”  “No I didn’t” called back John. “But how do you stop these Horses? I’m pulling as hard as I can on the Reins, but she still won’t stop”  “Hang on, I’ve got you said Peter as he took hold of one of the Filly’s Reins, then with his Horse he slowed her down. “Phew, thanks Pete” said John. “His is one tough little Mamma isn’t she” Both horses were walking now, so they turned their horses around and started going back over to the Finish Line where they’d be taking the Saddles off.

“What a Ride. What a Race” said Joey as he shook John’s hand? “I told you she could run didn’t I?” “You were right about that Jo” said John, “but all that noise out there scared her stiff and she just wanted to get away from it. But I had trouble pulling her up, she just didn’t want to stop” Joey smiled and said “Maybe I gave her to many “vitamins” before the race” them he smiled again and patted John on the shoulder. “Thanks buddy” he said. “I’ve got another you can ride in the third race”  “Okay” said John. “I think I’d like that.

After he got off the horse, a new chap he’d never seen before came over to him with a Coffee. “Listen John” he said. “I have a Filly I’d like to race, but she’s a bit of a hand full. Do you think you could try her out for me?”  “I guess so” said John, “but what race is she in?”  “Oh no” said the man, who’s name was Bill Cruwys, She’s not running yet. I figure in about a week or so. She’s a hand full right now”  “Okay” said John. “Just let me know when she’s ready”

The next morning at Woodbine he mentioned it to a Jockey friend called Wayne Swatman.

“Yea, I know all about those Quarter horses” said Wayne. “You’ll get killed on them. Man” he continued, “they’re a bunch of nuts. I rode a couple up at the Circle M. Dam near got buried alive with em. They’re all drugged up and there aint no purse money either”

“But this isn’t the Circle M” said John. “It’s a new place called “Picov Downs”  “But it’s still quarter horses isn’t it” said Wayne. “Probably the same bunch of nuts that ran at Greco’s” “Well I have to say I quite enjoyed it” said John. “I only saw one horse flip when they were trying to put a Saddle on it. But I must say I had trouble pulling up the horse I was riding. Even though she had run flat out all the way”  “And did they get the Saddle on that horse?” asked Wayne. “Well no” said John. “They just ran the horse without a Saddle”

“See what I mean?”  Said Wayne. “They’re a bunch of nuts. They even race em “without a Saddle on. And did the rider get it pulled up okay?” “I guess so” replied John. “Phil Miles rode the horse, then when we got around that sharp hand right turn he just jumped off. Phil just walked back and someone else went and got the horse”

“Was that the only one you rode?” said Wayne. “No” said John. “I rode one in the third, but didn’t do too good” “Well how many races were there?” asked Wayne. “Just the three” said John, but it was a lot of fun”  “Maybe” said Wayne. “But did you make any Money?”

“Well Albert gave me ten dollars for the first one that I won on, then five dollars for the second” said John.  “And I think they’re going to have it every Sunday now, and I’d like to be there as well”

Several people he mentioned it to all gave the same kind of story about Quarter horses. It annoyed John at first, but then just said nothing about it and kept his thoughts about quarter horse Racing and Picov Downs to himself.

In that first year they would alternate the racing between Albert Greco’s Circle M Ranch and Mr Alex Picov’s, Picov Downs.

Some Sunday’s they’d only have enough horse for one or two races, with maybe 3 or 4 horses in each race. But John was always there as Peter Garret and Phil Miles were.

But as the word got around and more people got interested in Quarter horse racing, things began to gradually change.

With more Horses came more People. And in turn came more Jockey’s. Jockey’s such as Lorne McMaster, Bob Woodward, Wayne Supernant, Chris Battle, Marty Gibson, Wayne

Crone, Wayne Green, Bob Quinn, John McInerney, Bob Clements, his self John Doolan, Peter Garret and Phil Miles. And of course more Owner Trainers as well. And even a few that were just Trainers. Picov Downs was beginning to get quite popular, and so were Quarter horses for Racing.

Soon, names such as Randy Bird and Les Baker, Rick Kennedy, Don Reid, Gerry and Paul Armstrong and several others joined the ranks of Albert Greco, Mel Romain, Bill Cruwys, Jerry Garnet, Garry & Marlene McNichol, Bill Eade, Charlie Ingram, Fred Dickey, Barry Wood, Wayne & Carol Proctor, Bob & Marie Broadstock, Norm Picov, Alan & Jane Todd, John & Lina Campitelli, John Neill and maybe a dozen others that had been around since day one.

In 1971 John heard about some Quarter horse racing down at Beaula Park in Ohio from Phil Miles. “It’s great down there” said Phil. “Come on down John, I think you’ll enjoy it. And hey, they even pay you to ride, A lot more than you get here”

Also, from another Jockey friend at Woodbine, John had learned about a Training Centre in Aiken South Carolina. His Jockey friend, Peter Shensima spoke to the Trainer and got John a Winter Job down there also just galloping horses.

In 1970 John had met a young guy through a friend that wanted to be a Jockey. His name was Chuck Usher, and John suggested he rode at Picov Downs, so he did.

The day he was going to ride, his sister came to watch him ride. “Wow” said John. “Who’s that very delightful girl with you?”  “That’s my Sister” replied Chuck. “She likes you too”

So going back to 1971, after Corrine and John had become Husband and Wife, it was decided they should follow Peter, his Wife Carol and their children down to South Carolina that fall.

But I am jumping ahead too quickly. It was only March. John and Corrine headed down to Beaula Park in Ohio. John wasn’t too well known down there, but a couple of Trainers he new from Picov Downs were there as well so, he managed to scrape out just enough money.  They returned to Canada with just a little change and not much else. But things were changing.

An American Trainer named Al Dodge whom he had ridden for up at Picov Downs, offered him the chance to stay down there and be his Stable Jockey. But John and Corrine had to do a lot of thinking about it, because now they had two children. One from Corrine’s previous marriage and now one from John. Both little Girls had to attend School. So they had to decline Al’s request.

That winter they travelled south though, and the Girls were enrolled in a School in Aiken South Carolina. The family now had a big two Bedroom Trailer in Aiken and things were going good. They had their home in Canada and now a home in South Carolina for the winter months.

The Spring Greenwood Thoroughbred meet in 1972 was good. For a while, John became the Leading Jockey at the Meet. For a while only though, because now he was traveling more often to ride down in America for Al Dodge who had kept asking him to ride for him.

That winter, as usual now, John, Corrine and the kids travelled down to South Carolina to their Trailer and warmer weather. Then did their usual thing of going up to Belmont Park on Long Island in New York with Greentree Stable. They got a place to stay there and the Stables paid  for it. What a good life.

During the summer months in Canada at Picov Downs, John met up again with American Trainer Al Dodge who had brought up a few horses to run.                                                                                                Al offered John a good deal, and they were soon all off to Ohio to ride Al’s Horses.

Things were going very well for John and his Family. He had become the Leading Jockey in Ohio, began to make some real good money and drove a nice Cadillac that was paid for.

But as that old saying goes…”Nothing good lasts forever” And in John’s case it ended on the 17th of August.

It was a half mile race around one turn. John was on a Filly he had won two races on before, and felt he had a good chance of winning with her again.

The Bell sounded and the Starting Gates flew open. John had the filly away quickly then took her back a little to reserve some energy for the finish. He had her down by the Rail going into the turn with just one horse ahead of him. But he knew his filly had it in her to take that other horse as they got into the stretch.

Suddenly, from his right he heard some yelling and screaming. He looked over and briefly saw a horse coming straight into the filly. It hit her so hard that it sent the filly into a Head to Tail Spin. Unfortunately, John’s Feet got caught up in the Stirrups so; he was taken over and over with her. He suffered 3 Fractured Ribs, 3 Broken Ribs, a Punctured Lung and was trampled by 7 Horses following. After seeing what had happened and initial observation he was pronounced as Dead. But upon hearing this an off duty Sheriff who was working on Crowd Duty after the races, but had got there early to watch a few races before starting work, jumped the Rail and rushed over to John’s lifeless Body. He wasted no time and got to work on John immediately and, before the Ambulance arrived he had John’s Heart re started with a strong beat. Upon seeing this they rushed him off to the nearby Good Samaritan Hospital where an emergency operation was performed to remove dead Brain Tissue so the rest of the brain had room to swell after the pounding it had taken.  The pressure of the horses kicking and stomping on his head was something like 30,000 pounds per square inch. His Crash Helmet was in immeasurable pieces. But at least he was now breathing again.

The Doctor that performed the operation, of all names was called Doctor “Horsey” but, he did an excellent job with the Surgery he did on John’s Brain.

John awoke 7 weeks later in a Canadian Hospital; He had been transferred there whilst still unconscious to the North York Hospital at Leslie Street and the 401.

Upon awakening John just lay there for a moment. After maybe 10 minutes, he began to realise he was in a Hospital.  He recognised the Uniform of a Nurse that walked by, so he decided to sit up and ask her why he was in a Hospital. That’s when he found he could not move his left side. He went to call her to find out why not, and then that’s when he found out he couldn’t speak either.

The Nurse saw him struggling and came over to him. “Hello John” she said. “I’m glad you’ve woken up. I will let the Doctor know” and with that pressed a button on her shoulder. She helped John to sit up more in the Bed and put Pillows behind him.

After trying to get over to the Nurse that he wanted a Pad and Pen so he could write down all the questions with his right hand that seemed to be working okay.  A Doctor came over and sat on a chair beside the Bed. “Hello” said the Doctor in a pleasant voice. “I don’t know if you remember me, I was your Doctor before you got injured. I’m Doctor Meda, and I know you must have a lot of questions. I also know that you have some trouble forming words. So do you think you can write with your good side?” John nodded “yes” and the Doctor gave him a Pad and Pencil. “Okay” said the Doctor, “try and write down your thoughts”

John didn’t even have to think about it. He wrote down “What has happened to me? I can’t use my Left Side, my Chest is hurting a little and I can’t speak or make any sound. What the hell has happened?” “Listen John” said the Doctor. “Do you remember being a Jockey?” John just looked at the Doctor then wrote on the Pad. “What is a Jockey?”  I thought so” said the Doctor as he stood up.  “Listen John” he continued. “I have to go for lunch right now. But I’ll be back in a short while and we can have a little chat. I promise I’ll answer all your questions” John nodded yes and the Doctor left.

“Can I get a Coffee?” he wrote down and gave to the Nurse. “No. You stay where you are and I’ll get it for you. But first I’ll have to heck with the Doctor that it’s okay for you to have?”

The Nurse left to go see the Doctor and hopefully come back with a Coffee. John thought he’s maybe like to sit at the close by Table to have his Coffee, if he was allowed. That’s when he found out that as well as being unable to move his Left Arm, he couldn’t move his left Leg either. “Oh my God” he thought. “What’s happened? Why am I in a Hospital?”

He was just sitting there trying to remember things when the Nurse came back with a big smile and holding a Cup of Coffee. “It’s okay” she said. “The Doctor said yes, but only a half cup for now. Later you can have a whole cup” John wrote down “at the Table” and pointed. “I don’t think we can do that” she said, “not until the Doctor comes back and okays it” and she handed John the half full cup. It was too hot, so he gave it back to her. And as he did, the Doctor came back into the room. “Hello” he said in a cheerful voice, “I’m Doctor Meda and I’m glad to see your back with us again. Now I know you’re wondering what happened, so let me explain it to you. You were a Jockey riding down in America and you became involved in an Accident, You had a Pneumatic Brain Injury and they had to operate on your head. It may feel a little strange right now” he continued, “but between you and I, I think we can improve that somewhat”

“So I’m partially Paralysed one side am I” thought John.  “I can’t walk and I can’t Talk and I can’t remember what a “Jockey” is” he thought.  “But I do know I don’t like being like this and I will not stay this way” But it still puzzled him what a “Jockey” was.

That is until his Mother and Sister came to see him in the Hospital that evening with his Wife. They showed him some Photographs of him riding horses. Then the memories began to come back, perhaps slow at first and not everything, but some did come back.

Firstly he remembered his little girls and Wife when they came walking in the room. Then his Mother and one of his Sisters followed them. And although he still couldn’t gt a full sentence out at first, because of how he felt inside, he was able to get a few words out.

Time passed, and his Mother, his Step Father and several times one of his Sisters came, Corrine and the Kids were there most every day.

He did a lot of thinking and, was soon able to get out of the Bed. When no one was watching of course. And after several days of forcing himself to use his left Leg, he found he could actually walk a short distance. With a Limp of course, but still he was Walking and, even had some feeling coming back into his left side. Not too much perhaps, but some anyway

Final part HERE…………

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Written by John Doolan.

John was born to a French girl that was living in England due to the War with Germany. The girl was just 16 in 1941, but gave birth to a Baby Boy she named “John” The Baby was born out of wedlock and the Father was a Canadian Soldier that  was stationed in England.

Following the Birth of the Baby, the girl, “Yetta” became a War Bride and travelled back to Canada with her new Canadian Husband Dave.

However, as the War wasn’t over 100%, Dave and Yetta soon found out that No Babies were allowed to travel on the Boat in case of an attack,

And that’s where Mick and Alice Doolan stepped in. Mick was an Irish born man and Alice a French born Woman.

You see Mick had been an Irish Jockey riding in France at the outbreak of the War and had not had chance to get back to Ireland with his new French Wife. He would not leave her there. So with their young Daughter Yetta they moved to England.

They Rented a small 3 Bedroom House in a Town called Epsom just south of London. Epsom was a Horse Racing Town and Mick felt it would be easier for him to get work there.

Well he was wrong. There was No Horse Racing in that period. But he did manage to get a job in a Munitions Factory for a while.

By 1945 the War was over, but because of such extensive damage everything was rationed for the British People.

Yetta had gone to Canada and Alice and Micky had taken 6 month old John under their wing. In all intense, as far as the Authorities were concerned, little John was their own child.

They registered him under their own name and that’s how it was. They now had a Son named John “Doolan” and only a few people knew.

And one of those that knew was a good friend of Alice’s that lived in their house with them called Agnes Luke. But Agnes had sworn to secrecy and would never let little John know.

In 1946 Mickey managed to get a Job in a Racing Stable in Epsom. He had got a little old to continue being a Jockey, so he took on a job as a Groom.

However, after less than a year, Mickey found that he and the Trainer called Tommy Farmer just didn’t get along too well. So he began looking around for another Job. And it didn’t take too long. He soon had a good Job offer with a Trainer called Vic Smyth at Tredwell House.  Victor Smyth was a very good Trainer and, took care of his staff as well.

Mickey was very happy in his Job and would be there for many years.

In 1949, when young John was 8 years old. He began traveling up to the Stables with Mickey every morning before School. He would help all he could around the Barns, then go meet ther Horses and riders coming back from their morning Gallop. His Grandpa would always put him up on a Horse and let him ride it back to the Stable. Then as it got to around 8:15 each morning, young John would jump on his Bicycle and ride to School.

After a day almost of schooling, around 4:00pm young John was back on his Bike and peddling back up to the Stables for “Evening Stables”  There he learned how to Groom the Horses, how to look after them correctly and how to Feed them.

At 12 he began to Gallop Horses as well before School. And on weekends worked two full days. It wasn’t really so much as a Job, because he loved working with the Horses.

The era of “Skiffle” Music in England caught on in the early 60’s, and John, who had learned to play the Guitar, decided to start his own Skiffle Group. So along with two brother friends, Eddie and Peter Norris they began to plan things.

However, Money was pretty tight at that time, and they couldn’t afford a Base or Drums. So, after young John did a lot of research on old groups from down in the Southern States of America, he came up with the answer. They needed a Base. So they got an old Tea Chest Plywood Box. They turned the box upside down so the open end was facing the Ground, made a hole in what now was the top, put a length of String through it, tied a knot on the end so it wouldn’t be pulled through, then tied the other end onto a Broom Handle.

Eddie would have one Foot on the Box to steady it. And the more he pulled back the Broom Handle, the tighter the String would get and the higher the note when he plucked it. And for the Drums. Peter managed to buy two Wire Brushes and got hold of an old Cookie Tin. He turned it upside down, held it between his knees, and there was his Drum. But they needed another Guitar as well. So they put the word out to all their friends.

Two young chaps answered their call. But only one of them, Tommy Cowling, really had any idea how to play the Guitar. And all Tommy new was a “three chord trick” e,a,& b7.

The Group was formed now, but promotion wasn’t that good. They rehearsed most nights

Outside of his Grandmother’s house under the Lamp post and, got quite a following from the local residents. Many would come out of their homes, stand around them and listen or even Dance to them in the Street. But one evening a man walked up to them and told them he was the Manager of the Granada Theatre in Town. And how would they like to play for the Children on a Saturday Morning before the Saturday Matinee.

And that’s how it was for a couple of months. Then Tommy told the others he was quitting to go work in Real Estate with his Brother.

Well, they put the word out again but no one seemed interested so, just the three of them continued.

They would play on Street corners, down in Subway Stations and even in a couple of Coffee Bars. John. Eddie and Peter even opened up a Stall on the Epsom Market by the Clock.

John even made enough money to buy himself a Houseboat. But because it was on the Thames in Kingston, close to London, after meeting a couple that were  in the Film Business, Jean an Actress and Bob a Stunt man, John decided to give up the Stables and Market Stall work as a Film Extra.

His first Job was on the Film “Oliver” with Oliver Reid at Shepperton Studio’s. He liked it, and as soon as that was finished and he was paid, his Agent got him working in “The Twisted Nerve” with Hailey Mills, daughter of the famous John Mills.

Everything seemed to be going good and he was making money, but they still needed another Guitarist for the Group so, they put the word out again. And this time it worked.

Two days after putting the word out that they needed another Guitarist, a young guy knocked on the Door. John answered it, and a young guy stood there holding a Guitar. “Hello” said the young chap. “My name is Jimmy Page. I live over the Bridge in Miles Road. I hear your looking for someone that plays the Guitar. I can play”

When John heard Jimmy play, he realized that what Jimmy had said, “I can play” was indeed an understatement.  “You are just fantastic on that Guitar” said John. “We certainly could use you. Be here tomorrow and we’ll go over some of our songs”

Jimmy showed up as promised and just wowed everyone with his playing.

The next month though, John got a letter from his mother in Canada to tell him they were sending him over a Plane ticket so he could come to Canada and join the rest of the Family.

“I don’t know what to do?” said John to Peter. “The Groups just starting to go good, I like working in Films and I’ve just opened a Model Agency on my Houseboat. What would you do Pete?”  “Well it’s your decision” said Peter, “but it would be nice to meet your real Family, and hey” he said. “I hear Canada is a great place”

“I think I’ll go” John told the others the next day, and that’s how it went. The Group split up; he closed up the Houseboat and quit his Job at the Studios.

He didn’t hear or get anything for a while, and when he met Eddie and Peter he asked what was happening. “Well I’m going to Art School” said Peter and I’m gonna marry my girlfriend Barbara”  “And I’m going into the Army” piped up Eddie.  “I was going to get married as well” he continued. “But everything’s on hold right now”

“And what about Jim?” asked John. “Aw hell” said Peter. “Jim went to play with a Group for a while, but now he’s started his own Group. He’s called the Group “Led Zepplin” what a weird name”  “Well good for him” said John. “Are they doing any good?”  “I dunno” said Peter. “But I heard someone say they’ve made a Record. I think it’s called “In the outdoor” but I aint never heard it”

The next morning John’s Grandmother handed him a Letter. “Here John” she said. “It’s from Canada” He opened the Letter, and there it was, his Ticket to Canada and all the departure dates.  “Wow” he thought, “I’ll be in Canada for Christmas”

And so it was. After saying goodbye to his friends and shedding a few tears with his Grandparents, John was on the Plane bound for Canada and a whole new life. A life that “no-one could have even imagined.

“Hm” thought John as the plane landed at the Toronto Airport. “This place seems to be all Snow. I hate cold weather” But that was all soon forgotten when after getting into the Airport after Customs, a Woman came up to him, threw her Arms around him and said “My Son. Welcome to Canada my son. It’s been so long” Then, through her Tears she turned and introduced him to the others standing there. “John” she said pointing. “This is your Step Father George. He’s the one that made all this possible” as she took Georges Hand. “This is your Sister Cathy” she said, “and this is your Sister Gloria” Your other Sisters, Margaret and Janet live in Toronto. They couldn’t get here, and your brother Richard you’ll meet when we get home” she said. “

They soon turned out of the Airport lands and onto the Highway. “These are nice roads” said John. “If you like these roads” said his mother. “Just wait until we get to Highway 400. You’ll really like it” Everyone agreed. Sisters Cathy and Gloria gave a chuckle.

A few minutes later George slowed the Car down and began to take a long turn. “Almost there Brother” said Sister Cathy.  “Just around this Ramp”   “Wow!” said John when he saw the Highway. “I aint ever seen a road this big. Gosh, I wish some of me mates back in England could see this?” Everyone began to chuckle. “And this isn’t the biggest road” said Sister Gloria.  “There’s the 401 and more” she said “I hope I can get a Car” said John. “I would just love to drive on these roads. Wow” he repeated, “I love this place already”  “Good” said his mother, “I was hoping you’d like it over here”  “Give the boy a chance” said George, who had been listening to everyone chatter as he’d been driving. “The lads only had been here an hour or so. And he really hasn’t seen anything yet”

There was quiet for a few minutes. “Mom” said Cathy suddenly. “Can we stop for a Slushy before we get to the Farm?”  “I guess so” she said. “But you had better ask your Father if he minds stopping?”  “Not at all” said George. “I could go a Coffee right now. What about you John. Do you want a Coffee?”  “Oh yes” said John.  “I could most certainly go for a Coffee right now”  “But I thought you English people liked Tea?” said Gloria. “Oh Yuck” said John pulling a face. “I “never” liked that stuff; I always drank Coffee in England. But now” he continued with a smile, “I’ll be able to drink the “real” Coffee”

George pulled into a Stop area and stopped the Car. “Okay” said Gloria to Cathy. “I guess if you’re gonna have a Slushy, then I might as well have one as well” Cathy, Gloria and George all got out of the Car. “You don’t have to go John” said his mom. George will bring you back a Coffee. We can sit here and chat”

About 15 minutes later everyone came back to the Car. “Uhhh” said John as he took a mouthful of Coffee. “Now that’s what I call “real” Coffee” They all chuckled and George got back to driving.

Just as John was finishing his Coffee he noticed George had slowed down. “Not far now” said his Mother. “We’ll be home in about 10 minutes”   Gloria turned to face John. “Do you like living in the Country?” she asked.  “I certainly do” replied John. “I have always liked country living”  “Good” said his Mother, “because we have a 100 Acre Farm” “If you can call it a Farm” piped up Gloria. “It’s a Farm” said George. “And it will always be a Farm”

“Okay dad” replied Gloria, “whatever you say Dad”  then she smiled.

“It’s a Farm alright” said Cathy. We grow stuff, we have a Cow and Rick has a Horse”  “And don’t forget “Timmy” the Dog and “Minew” the Cat” said Gloria. “Oh you two” said George.  “Just be quiet will you”  “I second that” said Yetti. “Just be quiet and let John decide for himself” No-one spoke, and a few minutes later George slowed down again. “Here we are” said Yetti. “You can’t see the House yet” she continued, but when we get near the end of the Driveway you’ll see it in the Tree’s”

A few minutes passed of going down Holes and Ruts, Mud and Deep Puddles. “Mom” said John. “This Driveway is more like a field, and I can’t see the House yet”  “You will soon” said Yetti. “As long as we don’t get trapped in any Mud Holes along the way”

“Well” thought John as they finally came to the end of the “Driveway” and he saw the House. “This is beautiful” He turned to his Mother. “I like this” he said. “I like it very much.  I just know I’m going to love it here”  “Well you better like it” said George with a big grin. “It’s a long walk back to England”

That night John lay in his new comfortable Bed and did a lot of thinking. He recalled his past 28 years growing up in England, and tried to picture the rest of his life in Canada.

The next morning, after a good Breakfast of Bacon and Eggs with Home fries, John took a look outside. “Where’s the road we came in?” he asked his Mother yeti. “Oh just down the Drive” said Yetti. “I see the Driveway” said John. “But where’s the road?”  “Oh you can’t see it from here” said Yetti. “That Driveway is maybe a half mile or so long. But believe me John. There “is” a Road down there”

A few days passed, and John did a lot of exploring his new home and the surrounding Fields. George had a Job so he was gone most of the day, the Girls and Rick were off to School each day, and Yetti was busy around the House. So John had time to just wander about. And the more he wandered, the more he liked it.

It was late on a Friday afternoon when George got in. “John” he said. “You asked me about a Race Track. Well I have to go into town tomorrow” he said. “And if you want to I’ll take you up to Gord Huntley’s place. He’s a Trainer down at Greenwood and Woodbine. If you want we can see about getting you a job there. Then when he goes into Woodbine you’ll go with him” “Sound good to me” said John. “I will indeed be looking forward to it.

The next morning, after a good Bacon and Eggs Breakfast, George and John got into Georges Truck and headed into town.

“My goodness” said John. “I do like the way this Town is set out. I’ve seen 3 Coffee Shops already” and he chuckles. “I know” said George smiling. “But I have to pick up some things at the Canadian Tire first. Then it’s Coffee time before we head over to Gord Huntley’s place. Listen John” continued George. “Gord Huntley is a kind of a, well let’s say “Commanding” sort of guy. For sure he’ll upset you some. But if my advice is any good to you, just listen and think about what he says. He’s a pretty successful Trainer.

As they turned into Gord Huntley’s Training Centre, John couldn’t believe his eyes. Everything was covered and you didn’t have to go outside for anything. Even the Horses were trained “inside”

Within a few minutes George had spoken to Gord Huntley and John was the new Exercise Rider at Gord Huntley’s.

“We’re shipping down to Greenwood in about a week” said John over supper one evening to George. “But to be honest George” he continued, “I don’t know if I want to stay at Gord Huntley’s that long. The chaps just too bombastic”  “Maybe so” replied George, “but hang in there John. Maybe at the Track you can get another job with another Trainer. They’re always looking for help in the spring”

And so it was. John stayed a while longer where he was, but as soon as they moved into Greenwood, he began looking around. He found several small Trainers that needed an Exercise Rider, so within a few days’ he had become an Freelance Exercise Rider, He just loved it. And one of the good things he liked about it, was that if needed he could actually sleep over at the Track. There were lots of “Tack Rooms” to sleep in. Traveling all the way back and forth to King City every day was taking a toll on both John and the Car he had managed to pick up, thanks to George.

But, a few weeks later George and his Mother told him that in a few days’ they were moving down to the town of Markham. “That’s great” said John. “Markham is much closer to Greenwood. I’ll be able to get home every day”

“Wow” thought John when he saw the new House. “This is the kind of place you just dream about. I love it. It’s just fantastic”

The House was a 7 Bedroom House with a 2 Bedroom Apartment on the Second Floor. There were several Barns, a large front Lawn with a Barbeque Pit, a small Apple Orchard and all on a 100 Acre site. The House was set back about a half mile from the Road, but the Driveway was pure hell.

But even so, to John it was a great place and he just loved it.

Although it was in the Township of Markham, the actual area was called Box Grove. Box

Grove consisted of just one Gas Station that included a small variety Store, “Ted’s”

It wasn’t too long, and they began making friends with the local residents. It turned out a

Pretty good bunch of people. The Laytons, the Boils, he McRay’s and more.

“John” said George one day. “Have you ever ridden a Quarter horse?”  “A what?” answered John.  “George” he continued, “what in gods name is a Quarter horse? Is it a quarter of a normal sized horse? I’ve never heard of a Quarter horse?”

George chuckled. “Okay” he said. “Jim Boil tells me they’re gonna start racing some over in Pickering next Sunday. How’d you like to go out there and ride some?”  “I guess so” replied John. “If it’s Horse Racing, I’d like to try it”  “Okay” said George. “But look, don’t tell too many people cause it aint really supposed to be there. It’s just Bush Track racing like out at the Circle M Ranch”

“You know” said John. “Over in England I heard about “Bush Track” Racing. But I thought it was only down in the States?”  “Well I guess it is said George, “but we do have some up here as well. But one day” he continued.  “This Picov Downs is gonna be as big as Greenwood or even Woodbine. You mark my words”

Sunday morning came and John was off to Woodbine as usual.  “Don’t be too late getting back” said George, “Remember, we have to be at Picov Downs today”

Part TWO Continued ……………….

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The BetPlan Horse Racing Betting System

NOTE  CHANGES  IN  A  HORSES  USUAL  PATTERN…Like a Horse that is usually a bad actor showing Calmness but still Alert. Especially if the horse has had a change of Trainers lately.

BANDAGES…They are of course Noteworthy. But should not be over emphasized.

Maybe the Bandages are a Decoy? But there again, some Horses always wear Bandages. But remember always, that those Bandages “could” be a sign of Soreness.

So if you have any doubts, just look at who the Trainer is. Top Trainers will usually send out their Horses Fit. But whatever just take note of the Horse’s performance to confirm or deny any suspicions you may have and, mark it on your Program.

THE POST PARADE…Remember that a nervous Horse is using Energy. And those

Used hard in the warm up, just “may” be a little sore.

IN THE GATES…Take notice of horses that are quite factitious in the Gates. Like those that may Rear up, perhaps thrash around or even unseat their Rider. Those horses don’t usually have enough left for running. So watch closely and determine which horses are usually bad actors in the Gates.  But remember also that a good Trainer will solve the problem. Where as a poor one may not.

LEAVING THE GATES…It’s very important in Quarter Horse Racing. So watch

Closely and take note to them that may break in or out. Perhaps Bump another Horse, break slowly or even stumble leaving the Gates.

Just write everything in your Program. Then come back next week.

(From the desk of John Doolan)

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WE BEGIN…You must always remember to keep the Basics in mind when purchasing a Horse. Check it’s Blood-lines and Conformation. And look closely to see any Defaults and/or Defects. And when your looking at the Horse. Make sure your looking at one that looks Bright and Alert and of course Intelligent looking with good width between it’s Eye’s.

The Horses Front Legs should be pretty Straight with Strong Canon Bones and, the Pasterns should be set at a close to 45 degree angle from the Cannon Bone. (Please avoid Straight Pasterns).

Also, check out the rest of the Horses Legs and see how long it’s Sire and Dam raced for.

And still with the Legs….Avoid Legs that cause the Horse to Toe-in or Toe-out plus, make sure it has wide and Flat Knee’s.

Now if your looking at a Horse with Straight Shoulders. Just forget it.

Look for a Horse with Fullness in the Chest, (where the Heart is housed), plus a good width at the Throat and Jaw plus, a good set of Nostrils to allow for good Breathing.

But the best advice I could ever give you when your looking to purchase a Horse for Racing, is to make sure you have a good knowledgeable Trainer by your side.

by

John Doolan

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Do you have an opinion or story on horse racing or betting related subjects and like to write articles or stories.

Then we want your help!

As you may or may not know The BetPlan is one of the most successful horse racing systems in the business. The most important thing for us is to look after our current clients and make sure the system always operates to its maximum potential.

This presents us a time problem to get good and interesting articles posted on our blog, for our thousands of visitors to read and benefit from, so we need your help.

If you can write good interesting content on horse racing or betting related subjects then we want to hear from you.

These articles / stories can be on just about anything as long as it’s betting or horse racing related, but must be original and your work! (we will check)

Funny stories, opinions on horses or races, betting related advice, idea’s or you just want to get some thing off your chest. Found a good system or service that you feel is worth looking at, let us know and tell us why, or maybe you found a bad service that you feel should be avoided. Do your work within the industry or run a business in the UK or around the world. Maybe you supply equipment or are a trainer or jockey that wants a voice.

Our plan is to give guest writers a link back to their own site or blog if they wish and have added prizes for the best Monthly articles or story.

So if you run a blog, service or business within the industry or just have an opinion and have a flare for stories or good advice. Tell us about your blog or business maybe and what you are trying to achieve and why you feel it’s good, we want to know.

Or just a normal punter that’s wants to share the good bad or darn write ugly bits. We have thousand of readers that just want to know what you feel.

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This is your opportunity to get your writing boots on a share with the world.

Please submit your articles to support@thebetplan.com

Include the name you wish to go under and any link that you would like to include in the article. (the link can be no horse racing related, maybe you run another on line business but enjoy betting as well)

Many members will know as well as horse racing, I’m and avid Ruby fan.

Was it magic or fate that Green Density was the first bet of the day for The BetPlan. Well I don’t know, but I HAVE to congratulate all of the Irish for a fantastic game this morning.

If anyone didn’t watch the game, it’s a must see replay. The Australians looked like rabbit’s caught in the headlights of an oncoming truck. (sorry guys I know we have a few members operating the bots from Australia.)

I can only guest the numerous Irish members we have are now out on the Town, all I can say is that was a legendary success and enjoy!

I’m sure that Green Destiny winning the Group 3 at Newbury for us will pay for the celebrations.

Horse Racing Owner Graham Wylie (who’s horses include the famous ‘Inglis Drever’) stated that if the now infamous Durham Trainer Howard Johnson were to be banned for longer than 6 Months. He would distribute his horses, that he wanted to keep in training, mainly in the South and Ireland, and none to be left in the North of England.

In my opinion it’s a yet another sad day for racing and it’s image, when a prominent trainer, in this case Howard Johnson, is banned from racing. Especially for the seemingly lack of regard for horses welfare.

There have been many calls that the sentence was not long enough. I tend to agree, cruelty to animals should not be excepted especially when they are in your care.

It has been reported that Mr Johnson will retire after the ban, this would appear and to be the only and sensible path, bearing in mind the circumstances and the damning reports by the BHA.

The main of the damage was to windows and televisions being ripped from the walls, the bulk of the effected Corals shops were in the London area. Their call centre was also evacuated after a request from police.

The SIS studio was also forced to close in London which effected service to many viewers.

Other incidences were also reported from Liverpool to Birmingham from many bookmaker chains, but the bulk of the damage was done in London, with the bookmakers yet to count the full extent of the cost.

 
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I was invited along by Brian, head of an excellent Betfair trading platform, who I’ve known for some years.

www.HorseRacingPhoto.co.uk

So it was great to see some old friends and nice to meet some new ones. I know a few people have joined recently through recommendation recently.

Obviously I had already backed both of The BetPlan selections using BOG prices, but it’s always enjoy seeing the whites of the bookies eyes and drawing some extra cash.

The first bet ‘Double Mead’ didn’t go well, I waited to see 2/1 on the boards and took the price only to see it drift to 5/2 on course. Things weren’t looking confident and started to understand the bookies smile when the cash was handed over. The horse wasn’t even really put in the race, jumping into others on a regular bases.

The 2^nd bet ‘Mid Div And Creep’ came around and I knew we’d have four winners in a row followed by 3 losers, so sequence probability was now swinging strongly back in our favour. I looked at Brian and he smiled, he was thinking the same thing as me after following the system for some years, pile on time! I left him tapping away on his iPhone, still with that knowing smile on his face.

I managed just to grab 11/8 with the last independent bookie before the price started to tumble. Funny enough he didn’t have a smile when he took the money this time and immediately dropped his price, I wanted the loss back on the first and a fat profit to boot. He said good luck, I said thanks see you later!

As you know ‘Mid Div And Creep’ won as it liked without a fuss. Ending a great evening out at the races, great company, good fun and very profitable. Thanks for the invite here’s to the next time.