Jamieson wins both elims; Great Willowdale Finals drive opens up

Jody Jamieson piloted Sparky Mark to a 1.52.3 victory and also drove home Good Bad Lucky to his win in 1.51.2, taking both ends of the Willowdale Stakes eliminations for 4-year-old pacers.

Considering the race times and the fact that Canada's top trainer of recent months, David Menary, handles Good Bad Lucky, it would seem that horse will be Jody's choice. Now if that turns out to be the case, then some lucky soul will get the trip behind Sparky Mark.

Mark Macdonald won with Sparky Mark in his most recent start, so Mark Austin is likely to look to him first. With Cactus Jack finishing last in his elim, look for the Marks to team up in the Willowdale Stakes Final next Saturday, January 22nd, and give the David Menary - Jody Jamieson combo a proper challenge.

Post Positions for Willowdale Stakes Final at Woodbine:

1) Jackets Required
2) Twin B Warrior
3) Good Bad Lucky
4) Sparky Mark
5) Malicious
6) Village Beaet
7) Art Professor
8) Here We Go Again
9) Aled Hanover
10) Oakmont

Harness driver Doug McNair wins 1,000 races at 20

New world record for youngest Standardbred driver to record 1,000 victories

Is Doug McNair the Wayne Gretzky of harness racing drivers? Well, it's too early to go that far, however he is the best young driver in the game and one whose technique may influence driving in ways rarely seen. The thing noticed about him recently is that he likes to get almost completely flat, becoming an aerodynamic missile the horse can pull along with ease.



Whether there is an actual physical effect on wind resistance or if it is just that the horse appreciates the athleticism of young McNair, regardless, it's a joy to watch and fascinating to ponder. Here's wishing Doug many more victories, hoping to see you on the OJC (okay, WE...) circuit more in 2011.




Guelph Mercury story on Doug McNair 1,000 race milestone, by Dave Briggs

London Free Press honours record-breaking driver Doug McNair




Harness racing driver Doug McNair (at age 18) piloting Trail Boss to victory in the Battle of Waterloo

Jody Jamiseon sets Canadian record with 787 harness driving wins

After breaking Mark Macdonald's revious Canadian standardbred driving record of 739 wins earlier in the month, reliable Jody Jamieson finished 2009 with a smashing total of 787 harness racing wins in Canada, reigning horses that won a total of $11,597,611 in purse money. Including USA wins, Jody had 796 first place finishers on the year.

Jody Jamiseon sets Canadian Harness Racing Driving Record