The I Love Canadian Harness Racing Fan Club had lots of great contests for the 2018 National Driving Championship (NDC) at Grand River Raceway this past Wednesday (Sept 26) and there were a few lucky fans that took home great prizes!
Congratulations to Howard Mercer of Newfoundland, the winner of the NDC Online Handicapping Contest. Over 300 members entered the contest and Howard was the only person to finish with 14 out of a possible 20 points. Howard has won a $50 gift certificate to the Canadian harness racetrack of his choice and a Fan Club swag package.
Racing fans who came to out on NDC night were invited put their creative skills to use and make a sign to use to cheer on their favourite driver! There were a ton of very creative signs to cheer on the drivers, but in the end, it was Wendy Ryckman from ‘Team Henry’ who was selected as the winner and took home a $100 betting voucher!
Last but not least, the Fan Club organized a NDC photo contest. Fans were asked to take a photo of any of the NDC action and post it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #NDC18. The winning photo was submitted on Facebook by Dianne Gill of Kitchener, Ont. She has won a $50 gift certificate to Woodbine Mohawk Park and a Fan Club swag package.
Below are the Pick 8 Contest answers and Howard’s selections:
Who do you think will win RACE 2 (NDC RACE 1) (2 POINTS)
Howard’s Selection: Invitation Todream
Answer: Despite being parked the entire journey, GMC Trooper ($35.00) and Kelly Hoerdt reined a 16-1 winner to open the competition.
Who do you think will win RACE 3 (NDC RACE 2) (2 POINTS)
Howard’s Selection: Dry Creek Image
Answer: Dry Creek Image ($32.20) and Doug McNair overcame the outside post 8 to narrowly claim victory in the second of eight NDC races.
Who do you think will win RACE 4 (NDC RACE 3) (2 POINTS)
Howard’s Selection: American Sniper
Answer: Jdcyril ($9.80) and Doug McNair stole the third NDC race, finishing in 1:56.4.
Who do you think will win RACE 5 (NDC RACE 4) (2 POINTS)
Howard’s Selection: Donald Doc
Answer: A last-to-first sweep from Donald Doc ($12.10) gave Doug McNair his third straight win in the NDC.
Who do you think will win RACE 6 (NDC RACE 5) (2 POINTS)
Howard’s Selection: Mollie McGeoch
Answer: Mollie McGeoch ($3.70) gave Maritimer Gilles Barrieau a win in the championship.
Who do you think will win RACE 7 (NDC RACE 6) (2 POINTS)
Howard’s Selection: Falls Creek
Answer: Larjon Legacy ($15.40) gave Guy Gagnon a win in the NDC, finishing in 1:58.1.
Who do you think will win RACE 8 (NDC RACE 7) (2 POINTS)
Howard’s Selection: Lumiere
Answer: Lumiere ($2.90) gave Doug McNair his fourth win in the NDC.
Who do you think will win RACE 9 (NDC RACE 8) (2 POINTS)
Howard’s Selection: April Bandit
Answer: April Bandit ($10.80) and Stephane Brosseau parlayed a pocket trip to take the final NDC race in 1:58.
Who do you think will be the 2018 National Driving Champion?
Howard’s Selection: Doug McNair
Answer: By virtue of four wins in championship races, Doug McNair claimed the 2018 National Driving Championship.