Borth lands blow on MacDonald with Mohawk slam

Tyler Borth further closed the gap between himself and James MacDonald in the national Canadian harness racing drivers’ standings at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Thursday (Dec. 21), outscoring the reigning Driver of the Year by two on the card.

Borth’s gain via a grand slam at MacDonald’s stomping grounds came at a crucial time with nine days and 15 total Ontario cards remaining in the year. Though Borth was overlooked for Driver of the Year Award consideration, the reinsman has pulled himself back into range to possibly upend MacDonald as the country’s top dash-winning driver.

Two of the victories were decided by fine margins: Borth held on by a half-length with D Gs Tesla (Shadow Play) in the opener over MacDonald and Skye Velocity.

Then, in the fifth, Ultra (Up The Credit) surged at 11-1 past MacDonald’s Mcvera and Ultimate Speed (Phil Hudon) in the stretch for a tight victory.

ULTRA / TYLER BORTH REPLAY

Borth, who was 20 wins back earlier this month, now trails by eight. He has taken the bulk of his wins at Ontario B-tracks this season, though he has also become a regular at Woodbine Mohawk Park. He has set new personal records in starts, wins, and earnings, nearly doubling his previous best in the latter category. His win tally reads 407 after Thursday’s program.

MacDonald currently sits at 415 wins on the year and is closing in on a historic second straight year with more than 400 at that track alone. He has also racked up $10 million in earnings in 2023, the first Canadian-based driver to do so since 2011. He is likely to threepeat as Canada’s Driver of the Year, nominated against fellow Mohawk pilot Louis-Philippe Roy.

The pair are scheduled to go head-to-head at Woodbine Mohawk Park through the holiday period. Both have drives on the Dec. 22, 23, and 26 cards at the oval, though Borth has one mount at London on Boxing Day. The final strides promise to be exciting action as Canada’s biggest rising star attempts to upend its reigning driving champion.

For a recap of Iris Seelster’s win on the card, click here.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink