Standardbred Canada officially unveiled the schedule for the 2027 World Driving Championship (WDC) during the sold-out 2026 National Driving Championship (NDC) Driver Showcase on Saturday evening at Cowbell Brewing Co. in Blyth, Ont.
The announcement revealed the five Canadian host racetracks and championship dates for the international event, which will welcome drivers from around the world to Canada in August 2027. Held every two years, the World Driving Championship is harness racing's premier international competition, bringing together many of the sport's top drivers to compete for the world title.
During the presentation, Standardbred Canada recognized the Board of Directors, host racetracks and industry partners whose collaboration and investment helped bring the 2027 World Driving Championship to Canada.
The championship will be contested over five legs at five racetracks across four provinces:
- Leg 1 – Saturday, Aug. 14: Century Downs (Calgary, Alta.)
- Leg 2 – Sunday, Aug. 15: The Track On 2 (Lacombe, Alta.)
- Leg 3 – Monday, Aug. 16: Woodbine Mohawk Park (Campbellville, Ont.)
- Leg 4 – Wednesday, Aug. 18: Hippodrome 3R (Trois-Rivières, Que.)
- Leg 5 – Friday, Aug. 20: Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park (Charlottetown, P.E.I.)
"The 2027 World Driving Championship is a tremendous opportunity to showcase Canadian harness racing on the world stage," said Darryl Kaplan, President and CEO of Standardbred Canada. "With exceptional partners in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Prince Edward Island, we will shine an international spotlight on the people, horses and communities that make our industry so special. We are proud to welcome the world to Canada and share the strength, passion and excellence of Canadian harness racing while hosting a world-class event that will leave a lasting legacy for our sport."
The schedule announcement was made during the sold-out Driver Showcase, hosted by Greg Blanchard at Cowbell Brewing Co. The event brought together all eight National Driving Championship competitors for live interviews ahead of Sunday's championship and included appearances by event organizers, Legends Day participants and local dignitaries. The showcase was streamed live on the Standardbred Canada website.
Competing in the 2026 National Driving Championship are:
- Tyler Borth
- Nick Boyd
- Stéphane Brosseau
- Marc Campbell
- Phil Giesbrecht
- Kelly Hoerdt
- Jody Jamieson
- Keith Legge
The 2026 National Driving Championship takes place Sunday, July 26, at Clinton Raceway, where Canada's top drivers will compete for the national title and the opportunity to represent the host nation at the 2027 World Driving Championship. The championship also coincides with the 25th anniversary of Legends Day and the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.
PrimeTime Racing will present a live, three-hour national broadcast beginning at 2 p.m. EDT on Game+ Network, bringing the National Driving Championship to more than two million subscribers across Canada. Hosted by Greg Blanchard and Mark McKelvie, the broadcast team will feature two-time World Driving Champion James MacDonald, Canada's leading driver and the reigning World Driving Champion following his victory in New Zealand in 2025.
Fans can also watch complete coverage of the championship live on the Standardbred Canada website.
With the schedule now confirmed, preparations for the 2027 World Driving Championship are officially underway. Standardbred Canada will announce additional details in the months ahead as Canada prepares to welcome the world's top harness drivers.
(Standardbred Canada Press Release)