Standardbred Canada (SC) is excited to announce Doug McNair has been chosen to represent Canada in this year's Prix des Rencontres Internationales du Trotteur Français.
Canada has been invited to have a driver compete in the 2024 edition of the prestigious international race, which will be held on Friday, Nov. 29 at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes in Paris, France. Drivers representing 15 countries, including Canada, will compete in the race.
SC has chosen Doug McNair to represent Canada. This invitation is significant as it comes 11 years after McNair could not compete in the 2013 edition of that race. That year, McNair was chosen to defend the Canadian title after Billy Davis Jr. had won the event for Canada in 2012. McNair was in Paris for the race, but unfortunately, a last minute scratch meant that McNair could not compete. More than a decade later, Canada was invited to send a driver again. SC asked McNair, and he has accepted.
“Canada has had great success internationally, and this race is an event that our nation has performed very well in,” said Darryl Kaplan, SC's President and CEO. “We are excited about having Doug back in France to represent our country. We know how well he will represent Canada both on and off the track.”
In 2012, Billy Davis Jr. notably won, cementing Canada’s place in the event's history. Scott Zeron and Randy Waples also made their mark in previous years, with Zeron coming in a close second in 2010 and Waples proudly representing Canada in 2011. Each of these drivers not only demonstrated their abilities but also upheld Canada’s standing on the international stage.
McNair is enjoying another great season, with 244 wins and $6.5 million in purse earnings to date. In 2023, he finished second in the World Driving Championship held in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.
“It’s always nice to be thought of when driving for your country,” said McNair. “It’s a beautiful place to see. I think they have pretty decent wine as well.”
SC will provide further updates and coverage as the 2024 Prix des Rencontres Internationales du Trotteur Français approaches.
(Standardbred Canada)