BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
Second place wasn't going to cut it this
year.
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After competing in the Sudbury Downs Media
Race last year, and finishing second, I was back for revenge
and victory.
The scenario was simple. Standing in the way
of winning was three members of the local media, including
two-time defending champion Rich Griffin from Z103. We were
joined on the track by Channel 10 News ENG technician Pete
Noble and Q92 radio host Brian Bailey.
Last year, I made a late charge, but came up
short in trying to unseat Griffin. I ended up with all my front
teeth being chipped from flying pebbles produced by
Griffin's steed.
This year, I have to admit it, I wanted the
victory and all the spoils associated with it.
My horse this year,LBS Nero's Baby, I
will call him Nero for short, was a magnificent stud. Big,
powerful and full of winning spirit.
It was a nice change from my previous horse,
Almahurst Bucky, who was retired from racing. Ol' Bucky
gave it a good go, but was unable to claim the win.
Nero, on the other hand, was primed for the
race.
He and I shared a few minutes of time before
the race to get acquainted. I told him my name and he just
snorted. It was a perfect match.
After a quick warm up lap, Nero and I
positioned ourselves in the number two gate. The other riders
followed quickly, and right beside me, to my left in the number
one gate was the reigning champ, Griffin.
As we crossed the start line, Nero was
thrusting his hooves into the ground with anticipation. It was
like sitting behind a soaring missile.
The gate sprung and Nero shot out like a
bullet.
It was important to get the lead going into
the first corner, and Nero's initial burst got us that
coveted spot, which we would hold until the end.
It wasn't easy though.
The other drivers put their horses through a
rigorous pace as we blazed down the back stretch.
As we rounded the last corner and stomped
into the final stretch, I could feel the breath of the other
horses on my neck as we all thundered home.
I looked quickly to my right and saw Noble
coming up fast. On my left was Griffin, also making a late
charge.
Nero could sense the competition.
He turned his head slightly to the right and
saw Noble's horse for sure because all of sudden Nero found
an extra gear and lit it up.
Nero, bless his competitive nature,
wouldn't allow another horse to snatch victory from his
jaws.
We held the lead and crossed the finish line
first.
It was sheer ecstasy.
It was also special because my family was
there to see the win and share in on the pandemonium.
Hats off to the other drivers. It takes
courage to race, and you all had it in abundance.
Money raised for the media race went to the
United Way.
It was a blast!, and an experience I will
never forget.
