Irvine granted Ind. license

When Hoosier Park opens for live racing Friday, April 6 it will do so with the track’s top driver back in action. Don Irvine Jr., who hasn’t competed since late 2005, received a probationary license Friday, March 23, and will be back in the sulky in the near future. The 56-year-old reinsman has earned six driving titles at the Anderson track.

“I’ll be at qualifiers Wednesday night. I want to get back to driving horses. I’ve done it for 40 years; it’s my whole life,” Irvine commented. “The most important thing is to maintain my sobriety; everything else is secondary. I feel good. I’m healthy.”

Irvine failed field sobriety tests following a March 2006 traffic accident and was not licensed in Indiana last year. After appearing in court last August he was required to participate in an intensive 12-week outpatient care program, which he completed March 20. He has also enrolled in an after care program.

“We have issued a conditional probationary license,” explained Indiana Horse Racing Commission executive director Joe Gorajec. “We will be sitting down and discussing what the conditions will be.”

Irvine was recently interviewed by presiding judge Tim Schmitz and Hoosier Park track security. Gorajec noted that the IHRC feels he has taken the appropriate steps to warrant the probationary license. The driver could have participated in qualifiers March 24, but with the license granted the same day entries were taken, the decision was made to leave him of the sheet.

“We’re satisfied based upon the information we’ve received,” Gorajec said.

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