With four wins and a pair of second-place finishes on the day, driver Doug McNair earned the most points to top the standings in the 32nd Charity Driver's Challenge at Clinton Raceway on Sunday afternoon.
With 268 points earned during the 14-race competition, McNair defeated Billy Davis Jr. (263), Jason Brewer (255), Clinton's leading reinsman Trevor Henry (165), defending Driver's Challenge champion Jody Jamieson (163), Scott Zeron (139), Bruce Richardson (117) and Ryan Holliday (52) for his first driving competition win. Points were earned during the Challenge for placing first through fifth (1st-50 points, 2nd-25 points, 3rd-12 points, 4th-8 points, 5th-5 points).
McNair was a winner right out of the gate, steering Ozzy Does It ($7.30) to victory lane in the first race. Despite making a break in the stretch, the Warren Ozinga trainee recovered to win in front-stepping fashion. McNair later guided Ratings Hanover ($3.30) down the road to notch his second win of the day in the fifth race for trainer Stephen Durand. The 22-year-old resident of Guelph, Ont. sent Tom Williscraft trainee Positrack ($4.70) first up and fought off Miapretty and Jamieson down the stretch to prevail in the seventh race. Cams Western ($12.80) gave McNair the grand slam as he converted from the pocket to win the 11th race for conditioner Michael Rogers.
He also earned points finishing second with Dusty Lane Tate for trainer Paul Belanger Jr. in the eighth race, fourth with Paul Taylor pupil Lucky George in the ninth race and second in the 13th with Miss Brexley for conditioner George McClure.
The competition for the Challenge title came right down to the wire though as McNair, Jason Brewer (with four wins of his own, one second and a third), and Billy Davis Jr. (two wins, five seconds and a third) had enough points to top the standings with a victory in the final race.
With favourite Pricevalleyrevitup leading for most of the mile, Davis Jr. was within reach of the victory, but a costly break in stride by his mount in the stretch left him settling for the runner-up spot. Despite finishing last in the race, McNair had enough points to hold onto the lead.
"I've been in a couple of driver's challenges before and it's a big thrill to win it," McNair told Trot Insider after the card. "I was definitely out to win it, especially with all the money going to charity.
"I definitely drove a little different today," he noted. "Sorry to the guys out there for not giving them much room, but I wanted to win."
This year’s Charity Challenge benefitted Childcan, an organization committed to raising funds to provide responsive and compassionate support services to families facing the journey through childhood cancer -- from diagnosis through treatment to recovery or bereavement.
McNair noted that one of the highlights of the day was getting the meet the children in attendance and take pictures with them.
Over $10,000 was raised for Childcan as all of the drivers in the Challenge donated their earnings from the day to the charity. In addition, donations were made by driver sponsors and funds were raised on track from a BBQ and corn roast.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Clinton Raceway.
I drove 2 1/2 hours each way
I drove 2 1/2 hours each way to cover this event for an industry newspaper and I must say I was impressed by the total professionalism by all involved. I would like to mention Marketing whiz Jessica Carnochan for her tireless efforts as wwell as the announcing duo of Greg Blanchard (calling the races) and Ken Middleton (doing trackside interviews) for their great work. Rick Bossie from "IWannaBet" was also very active getting fans involved and even brought me out for a winners' circle picture. I continue to be impressed at the class shown by the people in this industry as I travel from track to track covering events.
Congratulations to Doug. I
Congratulations to Doug. I think it is wonderful that the drivers donated their earnings and helped to raise so much money for a deserving charity. Maybe the government should consider acts of kindness like this and how they impact rural Ontario communities before they destroy the harness racing industry.
We are all interconnected
We are all interconnected whether or not we realize it or appreciate it. My salute to all those involved.