One week from Saturday, driver Doug McNair will get his first taste of European harness racing as Canada's representative in the Prix des Rencontres Internationales du Trotteur Français.
McNair, 23 of Guelph, Ontario, will be the fourth driver to represent Canada in this international event. Last year, Billy Davis Jr. won the race. Scott Zeron donned the white and red for Canada in 2010, while Randy Waples made the trek across the pond in 2011.
"They really think a lot of horse racing over there and I'm just glad to be part of it," noted McNair. "I was headed to London about three weeks ago, Kathy Wade Vlaar called me and asked if I'd be interested at all. Right away, I was interested."
Items on the itinerary will include the 2013 Trotteur Français International Awards Dinner on Friday, November 29; a clash against fellow international reinsmen in the 'Prix des Rencontres Internationales du Trotteur Français on Saturday, November 30, and a visit of the Training Centre in Grobois, lunch at the Vincennes racecourse and final race of the 'GNT' (Grand National du Trot) on Sunday, December 1.
"It's going to be a lot of fun, I've never been across the pond for anything -- let alone horse racing."
McNair leaves for France next Thursday along with his Mom, Terri and brother, Scott making this more than just a business trip.
"We're going to do as much sightseeing as we can for the couple of days that we're there. I think we're going to see one of the biggest training farms over there. A lot of people that have been over there have told me that's something to see. I'm looking forward to that."
Last week, McNair and the rest of the driving colony at Woodbine said good-bye to Scott Zeron. McNair's long-time friend made the move to the Meadowlands, prompting others to wonder if and when McNair might consider a similar venture.
"Hopefully I'm going to stick it out here for now," McNair told Trot Radio's Norm Borg. "You can still make a good go of it now if you're one of the top guys and getting the top horses right now.
"I enjoy it here, it's my home. I live 20 minutes from Mohawk and 50 minutes from Woodbine and I still have a lot of close friends that I still like to see everyday," McNair continued. "I'm just going to play it as it goes, if things get worse and I'm pressured, I'd have to go but for right now I'm just going to stay here."
McNair also discusses his year that was aboard world champion Precocious Beauty and stepping up as one of the drivers that spearheaded donations for the family of Josh Woodward. To listen to the full interview, click the play button below.
Trot Radio - Episode 310 - Driver Doug McNair
Audio Format: MP3 audio
Host: Norm Borg
(Photo: Iron Horse Photo)
The opinions expressed are those of the participants and do not necessarily represent those of Standardbred Canada.
nice goin doug and best of
nice goin doug and best of luck my friend
i'm sure you'll have a blast over there ,and will give a good account of yourself,representing your country!! wish it were closer, i'd drive ya myself lol
have a great time doogie, we will all be cheering for ya!!