MacLellan wins Ontario debut

Much like he did in the Maritimes, young harness racing driver Damian MacLellan made an instant impact in Ontario as he won his first start in the province at The Raceway at the Western Fair District on Friday (Nov. 25).

MacLellan, in his only drive of the night, picked up the lines of the Steward McQueen-trained Dontdoubtthelakers (Dontgetinmyway). He quickly slotted the veteran gelding into the three-hole and held his nerve through :28.2, :57.2, and 1:26.4 panels.

Dabunka (J. Bradley Harris) popped the pocket as the field entered the final turn, and MacLellan took Dontdoubtthelakers three-wide soon after. Dontdoubtthelakers dropped two lengths behind by headstretch but surged for MacLellan close to home, passing both leaders to score in 1:56.4.

Dabunka finished second over May To For (Jason Ryan).

DONTDOUBTTHELAKERS REPLAY

MacLellan, still in his rookie season, also won his first career drive on May 26 at Charlottetown aboard Elm Grove Mistress. The Inverness, N.S. native is 23-for-144 so far.

The Raceway at the Western Fair District will continue action at 5:50 p.m. EST on Monday, Nov. 28.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink