Matinee racing is the sport of the game. Sure, there are those who utilize the events to further a career in harness racing, and then there are those who drive for the sport of it.
Case in point: Patrick English.
English, a resident of Goshen, New York who works with his family at Dana Distributors, took the lines behind a pacer named Clem on Sunday, June 17 at Historic Track and showed his competitors the way to the finish line.
English, son of Budweiser honcho Kerry English and his wife, Wendy, has been around horses for the past decade or so, mainly at the Ray Schnittker barn. A few years back his mom owned a couple of good New York Sire Stakes performers which undoubtedly piqued Patrick’s interest.
Admittedly not the most experienced driver in the country, still English drove like a champ when he won with Clem, turning back challenges from Hopulence (driven by Dr. John Kokinos) and Come Getcha Some (Mike Kimelman).
Ptrick left strong, slowed the half, and when Kokinos pulled up the backside and made the front, English stayed calm. He then urged his horse a bit and they regained command. They went on to a one and a half-length victory in 2:06.1.
After the race, Patrick’s dad was asked if he was nervous with his fairly inexperienced son at the reins.
“Nah, not at all," he said "I had confidence in him. After he won a big crowd of us hurried to the winners circle for the picture presentation. It might have been a record turnout for a winner’s circle photo presentation --- and what a great Father’s Day present it was.”
Though his dad had a big smile, Patrick’s was bigger. He didn’t have much to say but the size of his grin spoke volumes.
(With files from Goshen)