12 year old Joe Chindano

[Brian Y]

Do you think Mr. Fielding would of put a stop to a 12 year old with the last name Schintker ? If Mr. Fielding was concerned about safety he should have put a stop to Joesph driving Kevins Apples the week before. Mr. Feilding is more or less saying that the six people (DRIVERS & TRAINERS) that signed for Joe where wrong about his capabilities. The bottom line is that six top drivers and trainers signed for his license and the USTA ISSUED HIM A MATINEE LICENSE . Feel free to call the USTA and ask them how old you have to be to obtain a matinee license and there are no age limits on how old the horse has to be.

[Allan]

The prior week, young Joe Chidano drove Kevins Apples, an older horse, to victory in the Goshen Matinee. This past Sunday, he was to drive a 2yo pacer, make that a green 2yo pacer in a race. How many lifetime starts did the 12yo make up to this point?

To allow any inexperienced driver drive a 2yo in a race is irresponsible. What do you tell a spouse of another driver that your spouse was injured as a result of a matinee driver driving one of his first starts in a race being unable to control a 2yo that gets spooked in a race?

Perhaps Joe Chidano is more experienced than a typical 12yo but how is Judge Fielding to know when his experience has been virtually limited to a farm track? How many parents will over-estimate their child's ability because he loves his child? Judge Fielding made the right call. If Joe and his father can't see that and decide they don't want to play anymore, so be it. Yes, racing will lose out on a potential future star, but Joe Chidano is walking away from a sport he loves. Hopefuly with time he changes his mind and returns to the game.

[Brian Y]

The prior week, young Joe Chidano drove Kevins Apples, an older horse, to victory in the Goshen Matinee. This past Sunday, he was to drive a 2yo pacer, make that a green 2yo pacer in a race. How many lifetime starts did the 12yo make up to this point?

To allow any inexperienced driver drive a 2yo in a race is irresponsible. What do you tell a spouse of another driver that your spouse was injured as a result of a matinee driver driving one of his first starts in a race being unable to control a 2yo that gets spooked in a race?

Perhaps Joe Chidano is more experienced than a typical 12yo but how is Judge Fielding to know when his experience has been virtually limited to a farm track? How many parents will over-estimate their child's ability because he loves his child? Judge Fielding made the right call. If Joe and his father can't see that and decide they don't want to play anymore, so be it. Yes, racing will lose out on a potential future star, but Joe Chidano is walking away from a sport he loves. Hopefuly with time he changes his mind and returns to the game.

Well Alan your wrong . Mr. Feilding was wrong Joeseph was given a matinee license by the USTA AFTER SIX drivers and trainers signed for him. Anyone over 65 could very well lose control or have a heart attack. Most of the drivers that drive in Billings or matinee have less experience than Joe. The USTA CONTACTED JOE Sr. and let him know that Mr. Feilding was wrong in his decision.

[Brian Y]

By the way Alan have you seen the performance lines on Kevins Apples ? Looks like joesph showed the experienced drivers how it was done.

[Allan]

We will have to agree to disagree. I am sure Mr. Fielding's decision was well meant. In harness racing there is always adversity. If Joey and his father are so easily turned off, I would suggest harness racing was not for them. I wish them all the best in coming up with a new hobby to do together.

[harnesslady]

As the former Director of Publicity at Historic Track for eleven years, I got to know Jerry Fielding pretty well. As long as I have known him he has made arbitrary decisions and acted as if he never had to explain his decisions to anyone. Many times in the past, he gave ME orders that had nothing to do with his authority. He was not MY boss! His relunctance to explain his decision regarding Joey Chindano is characteristic of the man. He THINKS he is God! So too, is it characteristic of him to never think of the ramifications of his decision making.