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Thrill of racing has never gone away

BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW Ever since he was six-years-old, Robert Jenkins Jr. has known exactly what he wanted to do with his life. Â?I always wanted to be a harness driver,Â? said Jenkins.
BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW

Ever since he was six-years-old, Robert Jenkins Jr. has known exactly what he wanted to do with his life.

Â?I always wanted to be a harness driver,Â? said Jenkins.

Jenkins love for harness racing came from his father who raced horses and exposed him to the sport
at such a young age.

Jenkins began racing professionally at the age of 18. His love of the ponies and the sport has brought him to tracks all across Ontario.

Â?IÂ?ve raced at Windsor, Flamboro, London, Mohawk/Woodbine and just about every other track in Ontario.Â?

This is JenkinsÂ? second year back at the Downs after spending eight years at Flamboro.

Â?ItÂ?s less hectic up here in the North and I love the people up here.Â?

Jenkins had a great season last year at the track. His own barn brought in over $240,000. Overall, his motivated driving brought in over $700,000.

Â?It was, by far, the best season IÂ?ve ever had.Â?

With so much success itÂ?s hard for Jenkins to pinpoint his most cherished victories.

Â?My favourite win is the next one I will get,Â? said Jenkins. Â?To me it doesnÂ?t matter what horse I am driving because I just love to race.Â?

Jenkins chalks his victories up to luck and great horses, but hard, dedicated work goes a long way in this business.

Â?Horse racing is a lifestyle for me,Â? said Jenkins. Â?I work seven days a week, but I donÂ?t consider it work because itÂ?s my hobby.Â?

The passionate driver canÂ?t even see himself doing anything else.

Â?IÂ?ve never had a job outside horse racing,Â? said Jenkins. Â?This is it.Â?

There are many ingredients that make up a successful driver.

Â?IÂ?ve learned something from everybody in this business whether itÂ?s good or bad,Â? said Jenkins. Â?IÂ?ve never stopped asking for advice.Â?

Keeping the horses healthy and happy are also vital to success.

Â?You have to give them lots of attention,Â? said Jenkins. Â?You have to consider each horse as an individual and find out what they like whether itÂ?s jogging, paddock time or training.Â?

Even after 17 years in the sport, Jenkins still finds coming to the racetrack and preparing for his next race as exciting as his first trip to the winnerÂ?s circle.

Â?The exhilaration hasnÂ?t gone away,Â? said Jenkins. Â?Besides, nobody likes finishing last in a race.Â?

Jenkins is hoping for another solid season at the Downs.

Â?So far it hasnÂ?t started off with a bang, but if I could have half the year I had last season I would be happy,Â? said Jenkins. Â?YouÂ?re always looking to be better.Â?

One day, Jenkins will eventually retire from racing, but unfortunately for other drivers in the North it will not be happening soon.

Â?Until the thrill of driving and racing goes away IÂ?ll be in this sport,Â? said Jenkins. Â?I am hoping that is a long ways away because this is what I love.Â?

You can catch Jenkins burning up the track every Wednesday and Saturday evening at Sudbury
Downs.

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