“Nobody.”

Until now.

I’m not sure if the “nobody” title was a self description or if that’s how everyone else described them. But either way, I think it no longer fits, as if it ever did.

What a way to put the cherry on top of an incredible season for Mappos Lion and his den.

 

I kind of resisted writing a story when this was all unfolding this summer just because I know Taylor, and Ryan drives a few horses for some of my family and I didn’t want to sound biased. However, at this point, it would be silly to deny them the limelight and the credit they deserve. And Mappos Lion begs to be written about and basically forces your hand to pay attention to him.

Mappos Lion went from one island to another this summer and boy did he ever make some noise. The roar of the lion could be heard at both island tracks this racing season, and fans from all over made sure the roar was heard everywhere.

Mappos might not even be alive today, let alone race again, if it weren’t for the family/barn he was born into. And it’s to all of our benefit that he never got that memo about not being able to race again. When you’re given a chance, and don’t know the odds are stacked against you, and you have nothing but support and a den of people in your corner, you naturally thrive. Lucky for Lion – that’s what he has.

He was trained back this year just because, and just to see if there was any hope left of getting him back to the track. It was clear that he wasn’t done yet.

Much credit goes to his team for getting him back into racing form.

(Speaking of his team – I’m going to leave out specific names in this story with the exception of Ryan Campbell, Ryan DesRoche, and Taylor Doyle for fear of not naming someone who deserves credit. So if you’re a Mappo team member of any calibre, just know you’re not forgotten and you deserve all the credit and praise for helping make this comeback happen).

Ryan Campbell drove Mappos in Summerside in the Governor’s Plate eliminations and drove him to a win by open lengths in the consolation. That was the first sign that things might go well in this comeback journey. And I’m not even sure at that point that anyone knew it was a comeback. They were all just taking it one race at a time. Ryan Campbell went back home to the Cape near the end of August to attend to his own plans and carry on, back on his home turf. Mappos went back home once this season, too, and reunited with Ryan Campbell for another win. He’s been instrumental in Mappos’ journey and deserves much credit.

And then,

Enter Ryan DesRoche. He and The Lion – They’re a natural fit for each other.

It’s been fun to watch them race as a team this late summer/fall. I have no idea how they figured each other out so quickly, but they sure did. Ryan is calm in the bike. Put a heart monitor on him and I’m not even sure it would register anything above a resting heart rate. He’s having the time of his life, though. Make no mistake about it. Lion trusts him. That much is clear. They often saw no need to go to the front right away when they raced. Like a lion, they stalked their prey. They’re confident. They knew their chance would come. Lions are kings of their domain for a reason. Every time he was mid pack, and made a move at the 3/4, my heart skipped a beat. Will they run out of racetrack before they make the top? Turns out, the answer is no, they won’t. Every single time.

I’ve known Ryan since his matinee days. He’s a wonderful young man. Always friendly. Always with a “how ya doing?” as he goes by after a post parade, and post race, when he’d go by and say, “raced great” even if the horse he had didn’t put forth its own best effort. He recently tossed his driving glasses to a young fan after a race in Summerside – she was absolutely elated. He’s also stopped post race, to allow young fans to see a horse up close along the fence, as well. That’s the stuff that people remember about you. Who you are. Not just your success in the race bike.

The success he’s had with Mappos is a culmination of the hard work he’s put in for years. I’m so glad he’s had the chance of a lifetime to be a part of this wonderful story and he has written himself quite the chapter. And to think that I still call him “The Kid.”

It’s been fun to watch and I just hope that he’s enjoyed the ride and has taken in as much as he can. And I hope they get the same opportunities next season.

For now, Mappos is going back home to the Cape for a much deserved break. As for Ryan and Taylor, they’ll be back at it in Summerside and Charlottetown for the next race cards. Business as usual.

Taylor Doyle was trusted with the training duties of Mappos this summer/fall. They also seemed to have figured each other out rather quickly.

It’s been very fun watching him have success on the training side of Mappos’ journey.

I never made it to Kensington to see a training trip (regretfully) but I’m sure it was a labour of love with every mile.

I took Taylor’s photo years ago when he was a groom. I had no idea who he was at the time. Since then, I’ve taken his photo many times. Now as an owner, trainer and driver. He’s got a small stable of horses in a small community, keeping his head down and working hard.

“Hi gang” is what he says when he walks by my “gang” of two people. He’s always friendly, and grateful for every win, enjoying every moment.

I’m super happy for him.

I’ve had the privilege of taking the trio of Mappos, Taylor and both Ryan(s) photo a few times since this all began on the island. This story is the reason I love doing what I do. The smiles. The victories. Figuring out the learning curve in record time. Don’t count anyone out. Ever.

It takes a village to make something like this even possible and Mappos Lion has one of the best.

The FFA series has been amazing. Huge shoutout to all the horses who participated. Any one of them could have won on any given night. The quantity and quality of horses we have the privilege to watch in a series like this on P.E.I. is incredible.

Congratulations to anyone and everyone who has had any part of this journey. Those who have been there from the beginning and those of us who just joined the cheering squad this season. It’s been a hell of a thrill for every single race! Well done.

by Dawn MacInnis