Locally bred, owned and trained, the story of Good Friday Three is one that Canadians should be proud of. And win, lose or draw, his connections are enjoying the ride. By Keith McCalmont

Although the son of Art Major may have only had three lifetime starts on Canadian soil leading up to the Cup final, his caretaker, trainer and driver were the only local trio of their kind in this year’s race... and that made ‘Team Penji’ the home team. By Dan Fisher

As the daughter of a horseman, Paige Brenner grew up around standardbred horses. Now, she has the thrill of caring for some of Ron Burke’s best when they come to town. And her hard work is certainly paying off. By Melissa Keith

Allan Saul had lots of early success as a harness horse owner. Despite ups and downs, the man known as Big Al, and his partners, understand how rare it is to have a North America Cup contender. And Al is committed to enjoying the moment. By Melissa Keith

Last year Yannick Gingras accomplished a career goal, winning Quebec’s Prix D’Ete. For North America’s leading driver, a trip back to Canada is always a highlight. By Chris Lomon

Scott Zeron may have left the Woodbine Entertainment circuit of racing, but there is little doubt where home is. For Zeron, N.A. Cup glory is near the top of his bucket list. By Chris Lomon

At White Birch Farm in Allentown, New Jersey, broodmare Ladyotra has made herself a comfortable home. With her 14th foal, In The Arsenal, she also may have made a champion. By Hannah Beckett

Tom Fanning considers himself to be a “grinder” - a horseman who makes a living training horses. Never did he expect to watch his charge weaving through horses in the stretch of the North America Cup. Never say never. By Debbie Little

Racing has many family stories, but it’s difficult to find a tale with as many connections as the remarkable story of Wiggle It Jiggleit. By Perry Lefko

When a Nova Scotia based partnership was formed to buy a yearling, a dream developed. When Wakizashi Hanover crossed the line first in the North America Cup, an almost unthinkable fantasy became reality. By Melissa Keith