James MacDonald made Woodbine history on Monday, Dec. 23, by becoming the first driver to record three 400-win seasons.

Entering the evening card just two shy of 400 wins for 2024 at Woodbine Mohawk Park, MacDonald both started and ended the night in style to reach the significant mark.

Four-year-old pacer Nightime Dancer ($5.50) was a blowout winner in the evening’s first race for MacDonald before nine-year-old pacer Mach Impact ($8.50) also left little doubt in the finale to give Canada’s leading reinsman his 400th Woodbine win of the year.

MacDonald, who has wrapped up his fourth straight Woodbine driving title, reached 400 wins in each of the last two years at this track, finishing both seasons right on 400. The Guelph Ont. resident still has four cards left in 2024 to add to his season totals.

Before MacDonald, only Doug Brown had recorded multiple 400-win seasons at Woodbine Entertainment/Ontario Jockey Club.

MacDonald’s third 400-win season is the eighth 400-win season in Woodbine history. All eight 400-win seasons are listed below:

• 2024 – James MacDonald (400 wins as of Dec. 23)
• ​2023 – James MacDonald (400 wins)
• ​2022 – James MacDonald (400 wins)
• ​2006 – Mark MacDonald (404 wins)
• ​2001 – Randy Waples (430 wins)
• ​2000 – Chris Christoforou (407 wins)
• ​1995 – Doug Brown (416 wins)
• ​1994 – Doug Brown (412 wins)

MacDonald is having a record-breaking season in 2024, with earnings totalling $12.2 million as he enters the final week of the year. This achievement marks the highest earnings ever by a Canadian-based driver, surpassing Chris Christoforou’s previous record of $11.9 million set in 2003. In addition to his financial success, MacDonald has also racked up an impressive 437 wins this season.

Adding to his accomplishments, MacDonald was recently named a finalist for both the Driver of the Year Awards in Canada (O’Brien Awards) and the U.S. (Dan Patch Awards).

Live harness racing resumes at Mohawk on Thursday, Dec. 26, with a special Boxing Day matinee beginning at 1 p.m., featuring the series finals of the Valedictory and Niagara. Racing will continue on Friday, Saturday, and Monday through the end of the year with post time at 7:10 p.m. A reminder that post time shifts to 6:30 p.m. effective Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.

For Monday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Monday’s Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park. 

(Woodbine)