Trainer Gary McDonald’s stable was firing on all cylinders Thursday night and driver John MacDonald was just as productive between the wheels during Rideau Carleton Raceway’s 15-race card.
Gary McDonald celebrated the first of his three wins on the card with Rockin To Do, who survived a first-over journey to win Race 4 in 2:01.4 for driver John MacDonald. The trainer/driver also clicked in Race 6 with Long Life, who won by a length in 1:58.3 despite being subjected to a first-over trip of his own.
McDonald called on Denis St. Pierre to handle First Avenue in Race 7, and it turned out to be a winning move as the trotting mare turned a ground-saving trip into a nose decision in 2:01.1.
The Edwards, Ontario conditioner sent out 61 winners last year and banked more than $350,000 in seasonal earnings. To date he’s racked up 666 wins and has produced a cash stash of more than $3.7 million.
As for John MacDonald, he tacked on three more wins to bring his nightly win total to five. He scored with the Cyril MacDonald-trained Push Back (2:00.3) in Race 5 before adding wins with the Ron Sullivan-trained J V S Ring (1:59) in Race 10 and the Rene Allard-trained Angelic Star (1:58) in Race 15.
The Russell, Ontario sulky sitter has already put together a handsome record of 9-6-1 from 21 starts this year, and that translates into an eye-catching UDR of .603. Last year marked the seventh consecutive season in which he racked up more than $1 million in earnings. To date he’s won 2,592 races and purse earnings in excess of $13.4 million.
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Rideau Carleton Raceway.