Trainer’s title to be decided this weekend

December 28, 2017 — The race for top harness racing trainer at The Raceway at Western Fair District for 2017 looks as though it could come right down to the wire on New Year's Eve.

With just two programs remaining, conditioner Gord McDonnell holds a one-win lead in the standings over defending champion Vic Puddy (35-34) while Craig Gilmour sits two back at 33.

McDonnell, who is in search of his first Raceway training title, will send out just one starter over the final two programs – veteran Katherine B who is the 9-5 morning line choice in Friday night's fifth race.

Gilmour sends out two starters on Friday night in Zahfire and Big Lis but does not have any horses entered for New Year's Eve. Meanwhile, Puddy has strength in numbers, sending out three starters on Friday and three more on the final card this Sunday.

The Auld Lang Syne Trot and Pace will highlight the New Year's Eve program and it will mark the final career start for a pair of 14-year-old London fan favourites.

Weskey, a 59-time career winner with more than $326,000 earned will leave from post 5 in the trot in race 8 while Pacific Oak, a 56-time career winner of more than $453,000 will occupy post 3 in the pacing event in race 9.

Those on track Sunday night will have a chance to win a set of tickets to next summer's Trackside Music Festival at The Raceway, featuring Dierks Bentley, and a Coors Light Snow Board. Live racing will be followed by a New Year's Eve 'After Party' at the Top Of The Fair.

The 2018 live racing season will kick off on Monday night (New Year's Day) with a 6:15 p.m. start time. The Raceway adds Wednesday's to the weekly schedule which is as follows:

Monday – 6:15 p.m.

Tuesday – 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday – 6:15 p.m.

Friday – 7:05 p.m.

Live racing continues through the end of May and will be capped off by Molson Pace Night which has been moved this year to Saturday, May 26th.

Greg Blanchard