Case in point: Patrick English.
English, a Goshen resident who works with his family at Dana
Distributors, took the lines behind a pacer named Clem on Sunday June 17th
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 in rein to Mike Kimelman.
Even the presiding judge Gerry Fielding was impressed with
English’s first drive and ultimate victory.
“Patrick drove a smart race. He left strong and slowed the
half and when Kokinos pulled up the backside and made the front, English
stayed calm and urged his horse a bit and they regained command they went
on to a 1-1/2 length victory.”
The first half was paced in1:04.1 and the final time of
English’s victory was 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. 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.” the
elder English said with a big grin on his face. “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.
Now with the matinees races at Historic Track ended Patrick
English will probably not drive again this year. He can walk around with his
chest forward and shoulders back and tell anyone who will listen that he’s a
driver who hasn’t lost a race!
