SHAKOPEE, MN – There are a lot of places where you can read all about the retirement of our Canterbury Classic, trainer Bernell Rhone, and get a recitation of his myriad accomplishments. Instead will be a couple of our own experiences and best wishes for a wonderful retirement.
Bernell was one of our first trainers at Canterbury and responsible for many of the things I know about thoroughbred racehorses. What I have wrong is clearly the fault of the student, not the teacher.
We once bred a beautiful roan colt who developed into a tall, strong 3-year-old. We had already had a setback when he was two. He developed a bone chip, but we had that removed, he rested, and we got him to Bernie toward the beginning of the Canterbury meet.
He had “George” gallop over the track and was impressed with his level of fitness and scheduled him for a work the next day.
As is his routine, Bernie gave George’s legs a thorough going over. He thought he felt some heat and called in the vet for an X-ray with the hope that it was just a little irritation where the chip came out.
As it turned out, George had bowed a tendon that was already well on its way to healing. As big and as strong as he was, he also had a tremendously high pain threshold. Bernie scratched the workout and the horse has gone on to a dressage career. While Heather and I were devastated, Bernie took it as hard as if George was he own.
If it wasn’t for his high level of horsemanship, George very easily could have broken down on the racetrack the next day, possibly injuring a rider and most likely ending the horse’s life.
Years later, after considerable badgering from Heather, Bernie was going to retire a cranky old gelding named Kraftig. He pulled Heather aside when the horses left the paddock for his last race and, with the entire Rhone track family around, told her that the horse was hers after the race.
For those of you that know the story, you know that Kraftig, after years of an average career, was claimed away and Heather was devastated. Heather was devastated and the Rhones in shock. Bernie rallied quickly to comfort Heather, like the loving father that he is. Long story short, she did finally get Kraftig after the meet after he was claimed again (!) and we were able to buy him.
While it didn’t work out exactly as planned, it was an example of Bernie’s compassion, kindness and love.
Always ready to proffer his opinion on an issue when asked and always helped promote Minnesota racing, Bernie is a Hall of Famer in every way possible.
A hero and role model to many on the grounds, his wisdom and insights will be sorely missed around Canterbury Park.
The first man to bring a horse onto the grounds at Canterbury will retire being the first in the hearts of many in Minnesota and, I’m sure, western Florida.
Bye, Bernie. Best wishes for a long, healthy and happy retirement. And please, don’t be a stranger.
