One month into the New Year, Trot Insider takes a look at Canadian harness racing's drivers and trainers who have emerged as the early season leaders.
James MacDonald currently leads all drivers in Canada for earnings with his mounts banking $371,936 in purses so far although Sylvain Filion, last year's leading money-winner, is not far behind, trailing by just over $7,500.
Alfie Carroll holds a slight lead in the win column with 39 driving victories through the first month of the year -- just three more than runner-up Robert Shepherd.
Last year's top trainer Richard Moreau continues to lead the standings in 2015 for earnings with his stable amassing $308,483 -- almost double his closest competitor. Moreau is also the win leader with 20 victories already this year although the trainers' race for the dash title is much closer as Travis Cullen and Patrick Shepherd are tied in second-place, both just three wins away.
Meanwhile, 2014 O’Brien Award of Horsemanship nominee Bill Davis continues to put up steady numbers into 2015 and boasts the highest win percentages in both the driving (0.492) and training (0.595) categories.
To keep tabs on harness racing's season leaders, click here.
**All statistics include Canadian starts from January 1, 2015 to January 31, 2015.