Billy Davis Jr., a longtime fixture at Standardbred racetracks across Ontario as well as New York and Ohio over the last two decades, has stepped away from competing on the racetrack for a position in the judges' stand.

Fans of harness racing may have noticed the name William Davis listed as an official in training on judges' reports from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) posted this month. That's not the former Premier of Ontario, that's the former white, red and black-clad driver who sports 4,156 lifetime victories and more than $36 million in purse earnings.

Davis said his move will allow him to immerse himself into a different facet of racing while making a positive impact on the industry.

“I was interested in challenging myself in a new way, both mentally and professionally, and in seeing the races from a different perspective,” he told Trot Insider. “I’ve always had a strong passion for racing, and while I’ll miss being in the bike, this role gives me an opportunity to give back to the sport in a meaningful way.

“From my experience, I understand how important it is that participants and the public have confidence in the fairness of the sport. Moving into a regulatory role allows me to contribute to that integrity, helping ensure races are conducted safely, fairly and transparently.”

Davis’s introduction to the sport was through his father, O’Brien Award winner Bill Davis — for years one of the top reinsmen on the west coast — and his early years as a driver focused on his home province of British Columbia. After two and a half seasons racing mainly at Fraser Downs, Davis Jr. moved to Ontario in the middle of 2009 and swiftly rocketed into the ranks of Canada’s winningest drivers. In 2011, he won 404 races — more than eight times that of his total from just two years prior — and he recorded his best season in 2012, with 460 victories and $5 million in earnings. He scaled back after making 3,149 starts that year but maintained a streak of winning more than 120 races every season until 2025.

The 39-year-old Davis is changing roles, but he doesn’t consider the move a retirement.

“I wouldn’t characterize it as a retirement in the traditional sense,” he said. “While I’ve stepped away from driving, this was a personal decision rather than one forced by injury or circumstance. I’m still in good physical condition, but I felt it was the right time to move into the next stage of my career. This transition allows me to remain closely connected to the sport while contributing in a different capacity. I take a lot of pride in continuing to be part of racing, now with a focus on upholding the standards and integrity that the industry depends on.”

Davis brings to the stand a wealth of experience gained across several jurisdictions. While remaining based in Guelph, Ont. with his wife Amy and three children, he ventured out to New York and Ohio, first becoming a regular on the Buffalo Raceway/Batavia Downs circuit in 2017. Davis would routinely cross the border to race in both Western New York and Ontario but focused on the former region, winning three driving titles there from 2019 to 2020 — two at Buffalo and one at Batavia. Then in 2021 he pivoted to Ohio, driving mainly at Northfield Park while maintaining a presence at the Ontario tracks. He racked up 337 wins, the bulk of which came in the Buckeye State, in 2022, which was his best season since his 426-win 2013 campaign. He also achieved his 4,000th victory at Northfield in November 2024. Davis has spent the last two years in Ontario, opting to prioritize time at home with his family.

He believes his collection of experiences will be an asset in his duties as a judge.

“I’ve been fortunate to have a long driving career across multiple jurisdictions, which has given me exposure to a wide range of racing situations and perspectives,” he said. “That experience helps me understand the realities participants face on the track and in the paddock. In this role, I bring that practical knowledge along with a strong commitment to fairness, consistency and accountability. I recognize that decisions made by officials have a direct impact on participants and public confidence, so I approach them with care, objectivity and a focus on doing what is right for the integrity of the sport.”

Davis started his training as an official earlier this month. He has so far relished the change and the challenge that has come with it.

“The transition has been very positive, better than I expected, but also challenging in a good way,” he noted. “There’s a significant amount happening behind the scenes that I hadn’t fully appreciated before stepping into the role. I’m learning quickly, but I also recognize there is still a lot to absorb. What’s been clear already is the level of professionalism and collaboration within the team, and the commitment everyone has to getting decisions right. I’m excited to continue developing in the role and contributing to that standard going forward.”

(Standardbred Canada)