The Valerie Grondin/Heath Campbell Stable returned to Maine this week from the sunny confines of their winter home in Florida. Along for the ride were around 35 horses that were being prepped for this season’s campaign.

They’re pleased with the progress the young horses are making. The advantage of the trip south is advantageous on a lot of fronts. “Well we have so many, you’re jogging 20 to 30 babies and it’s not freezing cold. The track is not froze, we don’t have to put shoes on (the young horses) for six to eight weeks after we’re down there, and no barium (needs to be added to their shoes).” said Heath.

They don’t start the breaking process until December when they arrive in Florida, while Maine trainers are starting earlier in the fall. In Florida, there is no time lost for severe weather.

Although the logistics of packing up and headed north can be a nightmare, the horses are transported in style. The horses are shipped home in an air-cushioned trailer that can hold up to 14 horses. The trip is non-stop, with breaks for feed and water, and takes about 24 to 26 hours. The usually get a break of a couple of days when they get home. “Some of them were climbing the walls (after they got home).” said Heath, because of the comfort of the ride home.

Heath was sidelined for a short period early this spring with a broking wrist and thumb stemming from being kicked from one of the colts. Although he wears a brace on his left wrist, it has not stopped him from training and plans on driving this weekend at Scarborough. “I think this weekend I might drive. If I can drive, I hate to leave these guys here with 40 horses. We’re going to lose some drivers here next week.”

Valerie is pleased with the new barn at Bangor Raceway that will house a portion of the stable. They will split the 40 horse stable into the two barns at Bangor and also use facilities at Bill Varney’s farm that has a half mile track they use.

Val is delighted with the progress made with the young horses. “We have more two year old fillies than in the past and a couple of more trotters.” They are also pleased with the aged horses that will make an assault on the open class ranks.

You can’t argue with success. The Campbell/Grondin stable has been ranked first in earnings in the state of Maine for the past four years and ranked either first or second in the win category for the same period. Their assault on the 2010 season begins this weekend at Scarborough.