“The whole event is like a volcano, it’s like an eruption when the race goes off. It’s a really neat atmosphere, but it’s not unlike some of our events, though maybe we don’t have the music and the party
like they do.”
The party in question is the Elitlopp, where harness racing ranks third to hockey and soccer in sports popularity. While driver Paul MacDonell did not guide Define The World to a thrilling win, the Guelph, Ont. based driver still savours the experience.
“It’s truly a spectacle. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience of it. I really did,” MacDonell told Dave Briggs for the Guelph Mercury.
While he certainly enjoyed his trip, he was not as high on the trip he gave his O'Brien Award winning trotter in his Elitlopp elim.
“I think my biggest mistake was I never really committed to the front end.," reflected MacDonell. "I think if I had done that, we might have seen a different race, though it’s easy to say that now.”
Taking nothing away from his trotter's performance, MacDonell wants another crack at Europe's best.
“I’d like to get another chance. That’s my biggest thing. I don’t feel like we got a fair race. I think the horse deserved better. He didn’t get what he deserved. I think I feel more bad about that than anything."
It is TREMENDOUS that Dave
It is TREMENDOUS that Dave Briggs is getting Harness Racing out to the general public - albeit in the 'Guelph Mercury'. Most people in Canada have never even heard of harness racing, let alone going to a racetrack. Where the heck are the Sun, Globe, Star etc.? It hurts when public awareness of a traditional and historic Canadian sport is undermined by Editorial Preference.
Dave's choice of subjects couldn't be better. If we named a Canadian Ambassador to Harness Racing, Paul MacDonell would get the position by acclamation. He is a kind, thoughtful, humble and articulate gentleman - a highly skilled Horseman & Driver - and completely devoted to the well being of Standardbred racing and its equine heroes.
The combination of award-winning writer, award-winning horseman, award-winning horse and International fervor in Sweden's Elitlopp makes for great reading ... for everyone.
Way to go Dave, and thanks again Paul.