Standardbred Canada would like to congratulate 17-year-old Keith MacDonell from Port Hood, Nova Scotia, the winner of the 'Show Us Your Favourite Horse' contest!

Keith submitted a photo of himself driving DWs Hidden Star in a matinee race in the summer of 2019.

Here’s what Keith had to say about DWs Hidden Star:

Harness racing means a lot to me and has been a huge part of my life ever since I was old enough to walk. I share two horses with my father (Lewis) and we race them weekly at the Inverness Raceway in Nova Scotia which is about a 20 minute drive from our training centre in Port Hood.

Harness racing is in my blood and is on both sides of my family! Pictured above is me driving a 10-year-old mare, her name is DWs Hidden Star. Star and I made our second lifetime start together in an amateur race at my home track in Port Hood in the summer of 2019 and we were victorious, winning the mile in 2:06.4 by approximately 30 open lengths. Star means so much to me ever since we purchased her when she was three, we’ve had her for seven years now and she will always be my favourite!

Keith’s dad, Lewis MacDonell, trains and drives DWs Hidden Star, who has had 15 races this year with two runner-up finishes and three thirds. Twelve-year-old pacing gelding PH Showboat, the other stable member, had his first win from 11 races this season on September 6 at Inverness. The MacDonell’s are stabled at Irish Road Training Centre, along with 10-12 other horsemen.

Keith saw the Facebook post about the Favourite Horse photo contest on his way home from the races and got his photo sent in, just under the wire! The driving colours he’s wearing in the photo are courtesy of his cousin, Paul MacDonell.

(Unfortunately due to COVID, the matinee racing, along with the companion festivals they were part of, were canceled this year.)

“Star is very quiet, well mannered, easy to get along with,” said Keith. “She wore hopples her whole racing career and this year we decided to try her free-legged and that’s the way she’s been racing.”

At the age of 11, Keith jogged his first horse, PH Showboat. He regularly spends about 3-4 hours a day working with the horses, and this past Tuesday, he returned to school for his grade 12 year.

“There are so many things I like about working with the horses; if you care and treat them right, they take care of you,” he commented. “Our horses are very kind and they always try their hardest when they race. There’s something really special about just being around them.”

Keith has won:

• A complimentary enrollment in one of Equine Guelph’s Short Courses

• A One Year Subscription to TrackIT

• A $100 Visa Gift Card

SC received many great submissions and would also like to give honourable mentions to the following:

Gracie Mae Barr & Lauras Love

"My name is Gracie Mae Barr and my favourite horse is Lauras Love. I have loved her since she came in as a yearling, she is now three. She is so sweet and just a bit spoiled. I had called her my horse from day one but early this year she actually became my horse. My grandfather Russell Baker, saw how much I loved her and decided I should learn about the business part of the industry so he bought part of her for me. So she is even more special."

Dionne Gillis and Nephin

"Upon completion of university and moving back home I told my father I wanted to buy two things - a big black truck and a horse. First came the GMC, then Dad and I bought the horse. His name is Nephin (in the yellow) and I’ll never be able to thank him enough. Through him I met my now husband (owner, trainer & driver) and we have a beautiful hobby ranch in Strathlorne!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to send in their wonderful photos and stories! Take a look at the short video below to take a look at some of our favourite submissions.