While the action on the track next Tuesday will be intense, the competition is already heating up off the track. Check out what's going on with our eight drivers in the Road to the NDC: Part 1.
Brandon Campbell
Starting to get ready for the tournament. My girlfriend Jodi has me rounding up my gear and starting to get packed. It will be the first time our daughter will get to go on a trip with us. Jodi wanted to get Presley’s ears pierced for the occasion last night. I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous for anything! She took it way better than I did, she’s tough. Billy Davis was very kind to nominate me for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge last night, so that will be coming sometime soon as well. I’m looking forward to seeing the draw from Charlottetown Driving Park today.
Marc Campbell
Raced in Summerside last night, went to the barn this morning and jogged a few with my son Landon. I'm racing tonight in Charlottetown for the first time since Old Home Week. I'm gearing up for Tuesday and going to study the program for the draft tomorrow.
Billy Davis Jr.
Writing this blog, the nerves of the drivers challenge are starting to sink in. The draw gets done today for the drivers challenge and I'm pretty excited about draft, got my highlighters ready to go. I have 6 drives tonight at Mohawk so I'll have time between my races to do my homework. Took part in the ALS ice bucket challenge last night at Grand River Raceway, thanks for the nomination Curtis Macdonald and I nominated fellow NDC participants Marc Campbell & Brandon Campbell; you guys have 24 hours.
Ryan Ellis
Pretty much a normal day for me, went to the track in Truro and helped Darren Crowe jog and train some. Then I went home, had some lunch and now I’m trailering some horses for my wife Danica to a jumper show.
Guy Gagnon
Alarm goes off at around eight o’clock. Horses at the barn have been fed early this morning and my groom has commenced our daily routine. A quick stop at Tim Hortons will do to pick up a muffin and chocolate milk for break time.
I stable ten horses at Miramont Farm which is a 10 minute drive from my house. I am very particular and meticulous with my schedule. While stalls are being cleaned, horses are harnessed, jogged and bathed. Around ten o’clock, I phone the Rideau Carleton race secretary to enter my horses for Sunday’s race card. I then join the other horsemen in the kitchen to socialize for a few minutes. Bandages and tubs are next on my list. Floors need to be swept before leaving. I am eager to make it back home today to download the entries for the NDC race program. I will need to plan my strategy for tomorrow’s draft.
Jody Jamieson
Woke up this AM to screaming babies! Or was it the mother screaming at the Dad to get outta bed? It’s hazy now! I dropped my daughter Hailey at Touch N Go for riding and headed to the Athletic Club for some therapy! I’ll probably grab a shake (Funky Monkey with almond milk) and then head for Burlington Airpark to fly to Ottawa for the 3yo Colt Trots. Hoping Maximuscle can repeat again this week after a big 1:54.3 win in the last Gold. I can’t wait for the draw for the NDC today at the Charlottetown Driving Park. Gonna need some help from my peeps in the Maritimes to make some good picks in the draft!
Sylvain Lacaille
Everything is good so far; me and my daughter jogged and put away a couple horses. We’re getting ready to go to Rideau Carleton; we’re leaving around two o’clock and are going to travel around three hours. I can’t wait to get started racing tonight.