Campbell At The Crossroads

Up and coming driver Brandon Campbell is quickly moving to the top of the drivers' colony in Alberta, but an unstable harness racing industry has forced him to strongly question a future in his home province.

Currently in the midst of his best year yet, Campbell has won 128 times and is close to topping the $600,000 mark in earnings for the second year in a row.

“The past couple years have been good to me but it feels like I have taken another step up in class this year,” noted the 27-year-old Calgary resident, who began his driving career in 2003.

Along with establishing a career-best win total, Brandon Campbell added two drivers titles to his resume. He wrapped up the 2010 meet at Grande Prairie just two weeks ago with a 17-win lead to runner-up J.F. Gagne and concluded the 2010 Alberta Downs meet this summer edging out Hall of Fame horseman Keith Clark by one victory. He also finished second to Gerry Hudon in the drivers standings at the Northlands Park meet early this year.

“Wow, who would have guessed it?” said Campbell in regards to topping one of his idols at Alberta Downs. “Anytime you can beat Mr. Clark at anything, just competing in a race where you know he’s got the advantage, makes me proud of myself. A driving title was amazing.”

Campbell attributes his 2010 success to experience and acquiring more opportunities to drive quality horses, which ultimately leads to greater confidence in the bike.

“Things come a lot more naturally now compared to before where I found I was forcing things to happen,” explained Campbell, who has his eye on the provincial title for 2010. “I’d really like to finish the year strong. I’m gunning to take Driver of the Year here. That really would be great."

As much as his home province means to him, Campbell is leaning towards making a move to Ontario for the New Year – a growing trend among Western horsemen. Popular B.C. horseman Bill Davis and his son Billy Davis Jr. made the move in 2009 as did Alberta trainer Travis Umphrey.

“I have thought a lot about Ontario and other places as well,” said Campbell. “The last couple years have been tough in Alberta -- not a lot of racing -- and the next couple years look along the same line. So I guess the biggest thought going through my head is how to go about it? Find a job? Take horses of my own? How long will it take to get drives, if ever? It’s a big step and I might fail but I believe I’m going to give it a shot soon enough.

“I love Alberta, it’s home! Unfortunately, I am looking real hard at leaving around the first of the year,” said Campbell, who has yet not decided where in Ontario he will settle down. “If things improve in Alberta, I can always come home to my roots.”

Racing in Alberta will resume at Northlands Park with their winter meet commencing on Nov. 19. In the meantime, Campbell can be found in action on the other side of the country. He has picked up a couple of drives on Sunday at Truro Raceway in Nova Scotia while on a vacation with his girlfriend, Jodi Loftus.

“Jodi and I just came out for a little rest and to see my mother and sisters. I figured while I was here it would be fun to try out Truro," said Campbell. "Last time I was out I checked out CDP and Summerside -- all just for fun.”