Once again the I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club reached out to you in search of a special harness racing ambassador for 2016.

There is no question that our industry is fortunate to have an abundance of ambassadors that generate awareness and interest in the sport. They are passionate about harness racing’s horses and horse people and dedicate their free time to ensure racing succeeds. These ambassadors continue to promote and make a difference in the sport that we all love.

The Fan Club is pleased to announce that trainer-driver Anthony MacDonald, founder of The Stable has been selected as Ambassador of the Year for 2016.

The Stable is a fractional ownership initiative started by Anthony and his wife Amy in August 2015. The program simplifies buying and owning a horse with the ultimate goal of helping to promote horse ownership and racing. It is an innovative solution to put our business and sport of harness racing back in a positive light.

“I was ready to walk away from horse racing in 2012 to assume a position as an MPP for Guelph. I felt the industry needed a voice and a loudmouth like me was a good fit. In losing, I still won. My days canvassing are where thestable.ca was born,” explained Anthony, “We have finally bridged the gap to the general public, and our message of affordable horse ownership with incredible entertainment value will play a major role in elevating horse racing to something bigger than it's ever been. We've taken the sport of kings and given it back to the everyday men and women.”

In addition to The Stable, MacDonald is also known as a prominent and successful harness racing trainer and driver with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Since 2010, he has twice placed among the top ten drivers in Canada for purse earnings. Anthony has also been a regular blogger for Standardbred Canada’s website. He was also recently honoured by the Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association with its 2016 Lloyd Chisholm Achievement Award, recognizing a member of the harness racing community for their ongoing meritorious service.

When MacDonald isn’t training horses at Tomiko Training Centre (formerly Campbellville Training Centre) you can catch him travelling across the country attending speaking engagements, open houses and seminars regarding fractional ownership to advance the sport; taking every opportunity that he can to serve as an ambassador for this industry.

After receiving multiple submissions on his behalf, Anthony was unanimously selected the 2016 Fan Club Ambassador.

The I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club and Standardbred Canada extends its congratulations to Anthony and would like to personally thank him for all of the work he does in promoting harness racing across Canada and North America.

For winning Anthony was offered the choice of a $100 gift certificate to the Canadian harness racetrack of his choice or a $100 donation to a registered Standardbred charity. Anthony has chosen to donate $100 to the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society. He will also receive an I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club prize package and a special presentation will be made at an upcoming racing event in Ontario this year.

Thank you to all of the Fan Club members that made submissions about the special people that make harness racing in Canada the incredible industry and community that it is.

A few excerpts from some of the submissions on Anthony’s behalf appear below.

Excerpt from Tammy McEneny’s submission:

I cannot think of any one person who has taken more of their personal time to advocate for our industry more so than Mr. MacDonald. Anthony has flown all over the country promoting shared ownership in stables this entire year. The time and effort he has spent travelling far and wide to bring new owners to our industry can be measured by the passion he has put forth.

Excerpt from Jason Murphy’s submission:

Anthony and his team have worked their hearts out to promote harness racing not just here in Canada but worldwide as well. The time and effort they have put in promoting this sport is unmatchable.

Excerpt from Dave Webber’s submission:

His formation of Thestable.ca has brought in a great deal of new owners (me included). He has travelled all over North America doing speaking engagements regarding fractional ownership. He does this all on his own and out of his own pocket. He has reinstalled my faith in the harness racing business.