BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
More than six years ago during August of 1997, harness racing veteran Al Hohner was involved in a terrible accident at Sudbury Downs.
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Veteran Sudbury Downs driver Al Hohner is just finishing up one of the most successful years of his career. He was named the NHA Driver of the Year. |
During a race, he and his horse were hit from behind. The result of his collision was a broken back. His bottom three vertebrae were destroyed.
It took a year of rehabilitation and rest before Hohner resumed racing.
This serious accident didn't stop Hohner from racing and producing solid performances wherever he has raced.
This past season at Sudbury Downs saw Hohner at his best. With steadfast determination, Hohner amassed the best universal driving percentage at the track with a rating of .302.
Prior to the extended race season announced a couple of weeks ago, Hohner had amassed 55 wins, 44 seconds and 45 third place finishes.
For his impressive season, Hohner was acknowledged as the Northern Horsemen's Association Driver of the Year.
The award left Hohner, 52, a little humble and a lot proud.
"I have been pretty lucky," said Hohner. "I have been blessed with some good horses. That helps a lot because it's about 99 per cent of the battle."
The award ranks high in Hohner's all-time achievements. And it?s quite a feat when you consider Hohner first started racing at Sudbury Downs more than 25 years ago.
"I am pleased because I haven't won anything in years," said Hohner. "It's right up there in my career accomplishments. It's important at my age to accomplish that because this is supposed to be a young man's sport."
Hohner credits the owners of the horses he drives as the main reason for his outstanding season.
"I have two good owners who buy me good horses," said Hohner. "It's what you need to be successful."
Hohner spends most of his time at the track taking care of his precious thoroughbreds.
Hohner also won the NHA Best Kept Stable Award. A firm reflection of his passion and dedication to the sport he loves. He wouldn't have it any other way.
"I am here seven days a week and each day I am here however long it takes to get the job done," said Hohner. "It's worth it because you can make a good living off horse racing. It's not too hard to get out of bed when you enjoy what you do every day."
Hohner has been most proud of Purple Onion, a magnificent mare he drove to several victories this season. Purple Onion was named the NHA Trotter of the Year.
"She's a great horse," said Hohner. "The owners claimed her for $9,000 two years ago at Flamboro Downs and now she has made $140,000. She has been a pleasant surprise."
Even at his age, Hohner doesn't see himself slipping off into the pasture of retirement any time soon.
"I love it and it's all I know how to do," said Hohner. "One year I got back from training horses in Florida and I worked as a labourer for eight dollars an hour. It was the longest year of my life. I still get a big kick out of winning races and I guess when that feeling goes away then I will stop driving."
When Hohner wraps up his season at Sudbury downs he will truck his horses and his driving talent down to London to compete at a racetrack there. He will be back next summer at Sudbury Downs to give everybody a run for their money.
When he does find some free time away from the track, Hohner likes to hunt and drive his ATV in the wilderness.
