Doug McNair took a page out of the book of George Costanza, and went out of 2024 on a high note. When he'll be back in action is yet to be determined.

After a whirlwind weekend where McNair competed in France at Hippodrome Paris Vincennes on Friday, Nov. 29 and then at The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J. a day later, many might have expected to see his familiar maroon, white and black colours back at Woodbine Mohawk Park after his victory aboard Logan Park in the 2024 FanDuel Open Trot.

That won't happen this December.

McNair told Trot Insider that he'll be taking a break from driving this month, and possibly longer.

"I've been wanting to do this for a long time. I’ve rarely missed a Saturday night in 16 years since I started driving," noted McNair. "I was the best man in my buddy's wedding four years ago and he had to ask me about the month so I could be there on a Saturday night. 

"I love driving horses more than anything and it’s always been my lifetime dream, but I think me taking a month off — or maybe even three —  might bring me back stronger mentally and physically."

McNair, who turns 35 later this month, ranks third on the Woodbine Mohawk Park circuit in 2024 for both wins (235) and purses ($5.6 million). His $7.23 million in purses for the year mark a personal best, and the Puslinch, Ont. resident sports 4,729 victories and more than $88 million in purses in his career.

Though not planning to drive horses, McNair indicated he might be active in a different driving capacity: shipping some of his father Gregg's horses south to the winter training facility in Florida.

"I might spend a few weeks or a month there getting the babies set up, and maybe even playing a round of golf or two," said McNair with a smile. "But as of now I’m off for sure until 2025."

(Standardbred Canada)