He’s been named Canada’s Driver of the Year, and he has ascended to the sport’s highest level in the racebike. Although, Paul MacDonell’s skill in the horse racing industry is not limited to calling the shots once the gate rolls away
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The horseman with over 4,800 career driving victories has steered his mounts to over $101 million in purse earnings, but on Tuesday, July 12, during Mohawk Racetrack’s qualifying session, ‘Paul Mac’s training efforts early in the mornings were paying off.
Mohawk’s 12-race qualifying session on Tuesday strictly showcased juvenile talent from Race 6 onward. After the final timer clicked in Race 6, MacDonell was front and center with Rebel Jet, a black son of Jeremes Jet. The colt was making his lifetime charted debut for MacDonell, who also trains the youngster.
Out of the Matts Scooter mare Heart Of the Matter, Rebel Jet was a $120,000 yearling purchase by MacDonell and partner Irwin Stables Inc. last November in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Teacher and student lined up in Post 7 this morning. MacDonell opted to cross over and send his pupil to the engine into the first turn, which saw Rebel Jet click off the opening quarter in :30.4 just before straightening up into the backstretch.
From there, it was all ‘Rebel.’ MacDonell and his charge passed the opening half-mile marker in :59.3, spun off three-quarters in 1:28.4, and cruised home in :28.2. The pair opened up multiple lengths on their rivals in the stretch. The final measure was seven lengths, and the win time 1:57.1.
Another six-figure yearling buy was tops in Race 7, as the Sylvain Filion-driven and Dustin Jones-trained Western Ideal colt Adkins Hanover fired home for a one and three-quarter-length win in 1:57.2.
Also of note during the session, the Ben Baillargeon-trained and Mario Baillargeon-driven juvenile Raising Roxanne took to the track for Race 11. The filly, who is a full sister to Raising Rachel 3,1:54.1 ($627,856), trotted in 2:04.3 and finished third, two and a half length in arrears to the victor. After having raced mid-pack, the Jonathan McKinnon-trained and James MacDonald-driven Kadabra filly Justasmalltowngirl captured Race 11 in 2:04.1.
For complete results from Tuesday's qualifying session from Mohawk, click the following link: Tuesday Results – Mohawk Racetrack (Qualifiers).