On Sunday, June 10th at the Historic Track
matinee races, 12 year old Joey Chindano of Bullville, NY made his first drive
a winning one when the youngster guided veteran pacer Kevin’s Apples to a
2:05.2 victory which brought the crowd to a standing ovation.
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| Kevins Apples drivine by 12yo Joey Chindano at Goshen Historic Track (Geri Schwarz Photo) |
The driving victory even brought announcer Howard Oil out of
the Judges Stand ---where he calls the races from—to say a few words on the
12-year-old’s victory.
“Oh my God, did you see that. A 12 year old just drove the
winner here at Historic Track. This may be a harness racing first ,” an excited
Oil shouted over the PA system as the crowd cheered for young Joe Chindano. “
He drove a great race and look, he can hardly reach the foot- rests on the
sulky.”
Young Joe was joined in the winner’s circle by his proud
father , Joe, Sr. When Chindano the elder was asked if he was nervous
with his son out there against drivers three and four times his age he quickly
replied. “ Not at all. I wasn’t a bit nervous. We have been training our
three colts together and Joey handles the colts very well. I know he’s young
but he’s been around horses his entire life. He loves them. Why he thinks he’s
George Brennan, for gosh sakes!”
“When young Joe was asked who his favorite trainer is, he
blurted out in the blink of the eye,” My dad of course.” And your favorite
driver? , “That’s easy too,” the young man said,” It’s the Bomber”,
Larry Stalbaum, “He drives my dad’s stock and he wins a lot of
races,too.”
Young Joey Chindano is a seventh grade student at
Harmony Christian in Montgomery. And after his thrilling driving victory
on Sunday afternoon in Goshen on Monday morning he was back in school.
“He’s cramming for his finals now,” poppa Joe said. “But I
know his mind is wandering from time to time thinking about his
driving victory.”
“He’s a good kid and a good student,” family friend
and fellow horse trainer, Brian Yusko added. “ He loves working
with the horses and he’s good at it too.”
