Standardbred Canada (SC) continues its Road to the Nationals video series with Episode 4, offering fans additional insight and analysis ahead of the 2026 Regional Driving Championships (RDC).
The five-part series offers a preview of each Regional Driving Championship race card from a handicapping perspective, with the final installment highlighting the main event at Clinton Raceway in Clinton, Ont., on July 26, host site for the 2026 National Driving Championship (NDC).
Standardbred Canada’s Road to the Nationals is produced by its Digital Communications team in collaboration with Industry Development. Video production is led by Jeff Porchak, Director of Digital Communications, and the series is hosted by John Rallis, Associate Editor of TROT Magazine. The series provides in-depth coverage and insight as competitors prepare for the nationals, featuring analysis, interviews and key storylines from across the sport.
In Episode 4, Rallis previews the upcoming Atlantic Regional Driving Championship (ARDC), scheduled for Wednesday, June 24 at 6 p.m. (ADT) at Red Shores Summerside Raceway in Summerside, P.E.I. The episode features special guest interviews with Corey MacPherson and Paul Langille as they discuss preparation, strategy and the opportunity to advance to the National Driving Championship. MacPherson enters this year's championship following a strong start to the season, with several promising young horses in his stable and the advantage of competing against a group of horses he regularly races in the Maritimes.
With the Atlantic region continuing to utilize an open draw format rather than a draft, MacPherson acknowledged the role luck can play in determining the outcome.
"It's all luck of the draw a lot of times," said MacPherson. "If you get lucky and get a couple of good horses, you're good to go, and if you don't draw some good ones, it really affects your fate."
Despite the uncertainty inherent in the format, MacPherson remains enthusiastic about the opportunity to compete for a spot on the national stage.
"I always like taking part in this," he said. "To get the chance to try and get to the Canadian one is pretty sweet."
MacPherson also reflected on the continued growth of his driving and training career, crediting opportunities with quality horses and the support he has received throughout the industry.
"I always try to be a good guy," said MacPherson. "I try to be in the right spot at the right time and just show up night after night and hopefully end up with the right horses to drive."
The conversation also touched on MacPherson's memorable victory in the 2025 Gold Cup & Saucer with Miki Shan N, a career highlight he admitted still feels surreal months later.
"In all honesty, it sometimes doesn't feel real," said MacPherson. "I had all the faith in the world in the horse."
Looking ahead to the championship, MacPherson reflected on advice he received from Gilles Barrieau before his first Regional Driving Championship appearance.
“I asked him what his game plan was,” said MacPherson. “He said, ‘If you have one that can win, make sure it wins. Drive for points with the ones that you just need to get points with. It’s all about points.’”
The veteran Maritime driver said that philosophy continues to influence his approach to driving competitions.
Rallis also sat down with Paul Langille, who returns for another opportunity to compete in the Atlantic Regional Driving Championship as he seeks his first berth in the National Driving Championship.
Like MacPherson, Langille discussed the open draw format and the impact luck can have on a competitor's chances.
"The open draw, it's definitely more luck than anything," said Langille. "If you're drafting, you should have at least one or two shots that you feel decent about."
Langille noted, however, that regular experience competing at Red Shores Summerside could provide an advantage when assessing the horses entered in the event.
"I race Summerside every week, so I would like to think I'm a little more familiar with the horses than some of the guys would be," he explained.
Drawing on previous appearances in the championship, Langille emphasized the importance of remaining patient and avoiding the temptation to overdrive horses in pursuit of points.
"Sometimes you're better off just kind of letting the race come to you," said Langille. "I don't look at it any differently than a normal race. I go up there every Tuesday night and try and win as many as I can, and I'm going to do the exact same this week."
The interview also highlighted Langille's recent success with standout performers Malignity and Malevolent, along with the anticipation surrounding the next generation of young horses in his stable as the two-year-old season ramps up.
When asked about the possibility of advancing beyond the regional level, Langille remained characteristically grounded.
"It's just a thrill to be in this one here, honestly," he said. "I'm not setting any expectations for myself."
For an in-depth preview of Wednesday's Atlantic Regional Driving Championship action, click the play button on the video below. Please note the interviews were recorded prior to the ARDC being rescheduled from Tuesday to Wednesday due to weather.
Check out Rallis’ top picks for Wednesday's race card.
Post time for the first race on Wednesday's card of harness racing is 6 p.m. (ADT), with the first ARDC race taking place in Race 3. The ARDC races will continue through Race 10.
The following field of eight drivers is set for the ARDC:
- Gilles Barrieau
- Marc Campbell
- Michael Downey
- Paul Langille
- Keith Legge
- Corey MacPherson
- Zach Mullins
- Mark Pezzarello
Points for the ARDC will be awarded in each race according to the official order of finish: 14 points for first, nine for second, six for third, four for fourth, three for fifth, two for sixth, and one for seventh.
To view Wednesday's entries, click on one of the following links: Wednesday Entries - Summerside Raceway || Program Pages (courtesy TrackIT).
(Standardbred Canada Press Release)