The field is set and the excitement is building as the eight drivers who will compete in the 2026 National Driving Championship (NDC) have been determined!
Standardbred Canada is thrilled to announce the finalists who will race for the national title at Clinton Raceway in Clinton, Ont., on Sunday, July 26. The following eight drivers emerged from hard-fought regional events and will compete for the national title and honour of representing Canada at the 2027 World Driving Championship (WDC) in Canada.
Ontario Regional Driving Championship (ORDC) - May 5, London, Ont.
1. Tyler Borth - 62 points
2. Jody Jamieson - 55 points
Western Regional Driving Championship (WRDC) - May 23, Calgary, Alta.
1. Phil Giesbrecht - 72.5 points
2. Kelly Hoerdt - 60.5 points
Quebec / Eastern Ontario Regional Driving Championship (QEORDC) - June 14, Trois-Rivières, Que.
1. Nick Boyd - 63 points
2. Stephane Brosseau - 59 points
Atlantic Regional Driving Championship (ARDC) - June 24, Summerside, P.E.I.
1. Marc Campbell - 61 points
2. Keith Legge - 53 points
"This is an exceptionally talented field of drivers," said Darryl Kaplan, President & CEO of Standardbred Canada. "The level of competition throughout the regional championships was extremely impressive, and it was clear how much earning a spot in the National Driving Championship meant to every competitor. The opportunity to be crowned Canada’s National Driving Champion and to represent our country at the World Driving Championship is an honour that none of these drivers takes lightly. They have earned their place on this stage, and I have no doubt they will put on a spectacular show for fans at Clinton Raceway and for those watching and cheering from across the country."
Since its inception in 2007, the NDC has showcased Canada's top harness racing talent. The championship format brings together regional champions for an exciting single-day showdown. The 2026 NDC will adopt the new draft format introduced at the Ontario, Western and Quebec / Eastern Ontario regional championships, allowing drivers to select the horses they will drive after the horses have been drawn to post positions.
Past winners of the NDC include James MacDonald (2024), Doug McNair (2022 and 2018), Brandon Campbell (2016), Jody Jamieson (2014 and 2011), Brad Forward (2009) and Gilles Barrieau (2007). The NDC was not conducted in 2020.
Drivers compete to represent Canada on the world stage, with the 2027 World Driving Championship to be hosted in Canada by Standardbred Canada. Canadian drivers have a proud history of success at the World Driving Championship, winning the event a total of six times. Herve Filion (1970), Sylvain Filion (1999), Jody Jamieson (2001 and 2011) and James MacDonald (2017 and 2025) have all brought home the world title.
Join Standardbred Canada in Clinton, Ont., for the 2026 National Driving Championship and 25th Anniversary of Legend’s Day on July 26. Fans can look forward to a full day of elite driving and fun-filled entertainment at the historic Clinton Raceway.
Who do you think will win the 2026 NDC and represent Canada on home soil in the 2027 World Driving Championship? Have your say in our latest Standardbred Canada web poll.
(Standardbred Canada Press Release)