Driver Doug McNair stole the show during the second annual Pacing For Charity event at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino with five consecutive wins on the Sunday afternoon (June 25) harness racing program.
McNair made his first Pacing For Charity appearance, joining returning guest drivers Jody Jamieson and James MacDonald at the Calgary oval to compete against Alberta's finest horsemen and raise awareness for breast cancer, autism, and juvenile diabetes.
All three reinsmen, who are among the top WEG Circuit drivers in Ontario, took part in an autograph session for fans during their visit and competed throughout the 10-race program to raise funds for their respective charity. McNair was racing for Perky In Pink, Jamieson was driving for Autism Canada and MacDonald was competing for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
"Everything went pretty good. They did a great job getting everything set up for a nice day," McNair told Trot Insider. "The weather cooperated and they had a nice crowd. Hopefully we raised decent money again! I got lucky to win five!"
McNair's first visit to Calgary was a memorable one as he worked out winning trips aboard Shaleslittlespirit ($3.80) for the Jim Marino stable, They Call Me Rosie ($5.90) for trainer Robert Parish, Brighten Your Life ($4.50) for Century Downs' top Kelly Hoerdt stable, Blue Eyed Cowboy ($5.40) for Hall of Famer Keith Clark, and Silent Rescue ($7.30) for conditioner Kyle Howard.
Jamieson earned victories in his first and last drives of the day, starting with Iwontdothatagain ($4.20), who defeated stablemate Cool Cowboy and Century's leading driver Mike Hennessy for a 1-2 finish in the $9,500 Open Pace for the Hoerdt stable, which racked up four victories on the day. The winning time of 1:52.3 was a new lifetime mark for Iwontdothatagain and just three-fifths of a second off the track record. Jamieson was also a winner in the finale with the Hoerdt trainee Outlaw Kismet ($8.20).
"Kelly Hoerdt is a gentleman and he could've driven, but let us drive his horses and let us earn money for the charities," noted Jamieson.
"We all had a great day! I can't thank everyone enough for their hospitality," said MacDonald, who had a pair of top-three finishes and picked up fourth-place cheques in three other drives. "Unfortunately, I didn't have a lot of luck on the track, but it is all for a great cause and we are more than happy to come out and put on a good show for charity!"
McNair, Jamieson and MacDonald's driving fees amounted to more than $1,700 combined. The drivers' individual donations were matched by Fred Gillis, John Hind and Paul Ryneveld, respectively.
Speaking on behalf of his fellow Pacing For Charity reinsmen, McNair noted that, "Racing has been good to us so it's nice to give back."
More than 1,000 patrons were on hand to watch the visiting drivers. Local horse people added to the donations resulting in tremendous support for the causes. Total funds raised for the day were more than $7,900.
The event culminated in a BBQ hosted by Century Downs Racetrack and Casino where horsemen, fans and the visiting drivers had a chance to get to know each other better.
"The Alberta Standardbred Horse Association would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to put on this great event," said ASHA Program Coordinator Colleen Haining. "Without your support, it would not have been such a great success. Thank you Amanda Barron, Kathy Coonfer, Karen Erletz, Kelly Hudon, and Helen Wittup. Without you ladies, this would not have been possible."
at Century Downs during the second annual Pacing For Charity event on June 25. (Coady Photo)
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Century Downs.