“We’ve always had plenty of Irish-Americans, or at
least many drivers with some degree of Irish in their
heritage in our St. Paddy Pace, but this year we will have, not just one, but
two real ‘Irishman’ participating,” noted Eric Warner, the tracks
director of racing.
“Like “Irish” Joe , Anthony Haughan, is also from Dublin,
(Ireland) and they are good friends and it was Joe who helped us
recruit Anthony Haughan for our race.”
Together, both Haughan and Hanney traveled from Ireland to
North America and initially they settled in Canada but unlike
“Irish” Joe, Haughan has stayed in north of the border where he is
well-liked and has been racing with good success.
Haughan’s first North American pari-mutuel start
was at Flamboro Downs in 1999 and over the succeeding seasons racing at
Flamboro , London, Georgian Downs, Green River Raceway and occasionally at
Mohawk Raceway as well as some of the smaller raceways in Ontario, Haughan
has thus far amassed a total of 900 driving victories with his
biggest seasonal output (154 wins) during the 2010 season.
“He’s my second favorite Irishman, just a nose behind Bono”
mused Kelly Spencer ,the talented marketing director at Green River Raceway
where Haughan competes on a regular basis.
“He’s passionate about the sport and is an excellent driver.
Anthony will do anything asked of him. He’s a great ambassador for the
sport.”
