McCarthy cements his place among the top drivers

Aussie driver Todd McCarthy cemented his place among the top North American harness racing drivers after winning their version of the Cox Plate, the $US1 million North America Cup at Woodbine Mohawk Park in Canada.

It completed a phenomenal major race “trifecta” in North America for the three Bathurst-born McCarthy brothers. Andy, who is still a leading driver in the US, has won the famous Hambletonian, while the NSW-based Luke has won the World Trotting Derby.

“This is pretty awesome,” Todd McCarthy said. “It’s definitely one of the most prestigious races over here and the hype was huge going into it.”

McCarthy’s runaway win on the brilliant Pebble Beach (Downbytheseaside) yesterday iced a meteoric rise through the ranks for the 28-year-old, who only moved from Sydney to the US in August, 2020.

“It’s an awesome race to win, but it’s extra special teaming-up with Noel (Daley) to do it,” McCarthy said.

Daley, himself a former Aussie, was the driving force behind McCarthy’s move to the US and his biggest supporter since relocating.

“Noel’s sort of like family, not just to me, but all us (McCarthy) boys,” McCarthy said.

“He’s the main reason I’m here. He sponsored my visa to make the move and has been incredible to me ever since.”

Pebble Beach, who worked to the front and stormed away to win easily as a $1.40 favourite, also gave Daley his first North America Cup win.

“I knew we had the right horse, but we’re still learning about him a bit and I had to drive a bit different to how we planned, but he surprised me how easily he ran away from them,” McCarthy said.

“The scenes were pretty incredible afterwards, but I didn’t get much time to soak it up. There were seven of us drivers straight back on a plane to New Jersey for races the next day. It’s non-stop over here.

“I had a beer or two on the plane, but the celebrations will have to wait until later in the week.

Daley, a major force in North America for decades, said the win right up there.

“It’s probably our biggest win. I’ve some of the top trotting races, but it’s great to have a pacer. I’ve never won a big race with a pacer like this,” Daley told Harness Update.

by Adam Hamilton, for Newscorp