MacDonald makes it a 400 three-peat

Harness racing driver James MacDonald further cemented his status of Canada’s top reinsman as he reached 400 wins for the third straight harness racing season on Thursday (Nov. 21).

The reigning three-time Driver of the Year entered the card on 399 victories this year. It took him until race seven, but he MacDonald got his win on the back of a big performance by two-year-old Wicked Dancer (Mcwicked). The gelding was sent first-up from sixth approaching the half and picked past horses to move into contention on the final turn. Rule The West (Tyler Borth) maintained the lead past the eighth pole but tired late, allowing Rule The West to roll by him and complete the victory in 1:56.3.

WICKED DANCER REPLAY

MacDonald is once again leading the national drivers’ standings, more than 50 wins clear of his nearest competitor. He has already set a personal record for earnings in a season and is winning at a 21.5 per cent rate. The favourite to take home a fourth straight O’Brien Award, he has compiled a career record of 3,911 wins and more than $75 million in earnings. The pilot added another win on Thursday’s card to improve his seasonal tally to 401.

Racing continues at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Friday, Nov. 22 at 7:10 p.m. EST with a 10-race card featuring a Harvest Series Final.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink