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MILTON, December 23, 2024 – James MacDonald made Woodbine harness racing history on Monday evening by becoming the first driver to record three 400-win seasons.
Entering Monday’s card just two shy of 400 wins for 2024 at Woodbine Mohawk Park, MacDonald both started and ended the night in style to reach the significant mark.
Four-year-old pacer Nightime Dancer ($5.50) was a blowout winner in the evening’s first-race for MacDonald before nine-year-old pacer Mach Impact ($8.50) also left little doubt in the finale to give Canada’s leading reinsman his 400th Woodbine win of the year.
MacDonald, who has wrapped up his fourth straight Woodbine driving title, reached 400 wins in each of the last two years, finishing both seasons right on 400. The Guelph, Ontario resident still has four cards left in 2024 to add to his season totals.
Prior to MacDonald, only Doug Brown had recorded multiple 400-win seasons at Woodbine Entertainment/Ontario Jockey Club.
MacDonald’s third 400-win season is the eighth 400-win season in Woodbine history. All eight 400-win seasons are listed below:
2024 – James MacDonald (400 wins as of December 23)
2023 – James MacDonald (400 wins)
2022 – James MacDonald (400 wins)
2006 – Mark MacDonald (404 wins)
2001 – Randy Waples (430 wins)
2000 – Chris Christoforou (407 wins)
1995 – Doug Brown (416 wins)
1994 – Doug Brown (412 wins)
MacDonald is enjoying a record season for earnings in 2024, sitting at $12.2 million entering the final week of the year. His $12 million-plus in earnings is the best season ever by a Canadian-based driver, eclipsing Chris Christoforou’s record of $11.9 million in 2003.
Adding to his accomplishments, MacDonald was recently named a finalist for both the Driver of the Year Awards in Canada (O’Brien Awards) and the U.S. (Dan Patch Awards).
MacDonald will look to add to his 400-win total at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Thursday’s Boxing Day card. Post time is 1 p.m.
For complete race results, click here.
by Mark McKelvie, for Woodbine Entertainment
