The top reinsmen from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan will compete in the Western Regional Driving Championship, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Fraser Downs in Surrey, B.C.

This is the first of four Regional Driving Championships which will determine the eight participants in Canada’s National Driving Championship, scheduled at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park on Tuesday, August 26, 2014. The winner of the NDC will represent Canada in the World Driving Championship in Australia in February/ March, 2015.

“We are looking forward to a very competitive regional championship that showcases the best driving talent in the west. We have added this date to our race schedule in order to host the Driving Championship and in past years, it has always been a popular event,” commented Ken Stratton, General Manager at Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino.

Fraser Downs and Harness Racing BC have determined that their representatives will be the four dash leading drivers for the period of August 15, 2013 through April 13, 2014.

“This will give Fraser Downs' best drivers the opportunity to take part in the Championship while creating some excitement in the next few weeks as the third and fourth place spots are up for grabs for about five or six different drivers,” explained Jackson Wittup, Executive Director of Harness Racing BC.

Currently, Bill Davis leads the standings with 102 wins while Jim Marino sits in second with 96 wins. Only seven wins separate third ranked Dave Hudon (45) and sixth place John Abbott (38) while John Chappell sits in fourth (44) and Scott Knight is only two wins back in fifth. (42) There are eight race dates left for the drivers to add to their win totals.

The hope is to have nine drivers take part in the WRDC in order to have full nine-horse fields. The event would then be a nine-race competition. That will depend on the horse population at the end of the meet. BC, as the host venue, will have the additional driver.

Alberta has confirmed their three representatives -- Brandon Campbell, Travis Cullen and Gerry Hudon. Richard Remillard will represent Saskatchewan and Don Howlett will represent Manitoba.

The top two drivers who accumulate the most points in the Western Regional Driving Championship will advance to the NDC.

Fraser Downs has received permission from the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch of BC’s provincial government that will allow for a straight draw and allow drivers to drive horses other than the ones they train so that it is an equitable competition for all drivers.

In addition to selecting / inviting drivers based on statistics and the ability to be an oustanding ambassador for Canadian harness racing, all drivers must commit to attending the National Driving Championship and the World Driving Championship before confirming their spot in the Regional Event.