MacDonald breaks WEG record with eight wins

James MacDonald entered the Woodbine Entertainment Group history books on Monday (Dec. 5) at Mohawk Park as he broke the single-day record for harness racing wins with eight victories, including the last seven races in a row.

MacDonald kicked off the historic evening behind White Tiger (Muscle Massive) in the second race. He hustled the six-year-old gelding to the top from the eight-hole, performed a second quarter give-and-go, and got him home to score in 1:53.2.

The third race was the last time colours other than MacDonald’s blue, white, and gold diamonds visited the winner’s circle. The driver won races four through 10, highlighted by a track record-equaling performance at the lines of Locatelli (Muscle Hill) in the ninth race $34,000 Preferred Trot. The 1:50.4 clocking matched the standard set by Mister Herbie in 2012.

The win also put Canada’s leading reinsman in a tie with Chris Christoforou for the single-day Woodbine Entertainment Group/Ontario Jockey Club circuit Standardbred record. MacDonald, facing the final race, rewrote history as he steered Never Mind N (Muscle Mass) to victory in 1:55.2.

JAMES MACDONALD RECORD REPLAY

MacDonald’s eight winners were:

• Race 2 – White Tiger (Muscle Massive, 1:53.2)
• Race 4 – Looks Like Moni (Muscle Hill, 1:53.4)
• Race 5 – Pointomygranson (American Ideal, 1:51.4)
• Race 6 – Resolute Bay (Resolve, 1:54.2)
• Race 7 – P L Opportunity (Kadabra, 1:55)
• Race 8 – Quan Blue Chip (Sunshine Beach, 1:52.3)
• Race 9 – Locatelli (Muscle Hill, 1:50.4)
• Race 10 – Never Mind N (Muscle Mass, 1:55.2).
  

  HISTORY | 8 Wins

  James MacDonald has set a new Woodbine Standardbred record for wins on a single card with 8 wins on Monday night! Congrats @Jamesomac26!

  — Woodbine Communications (@WoodbineComms) December 6, 2022

MacDonald has tallied 429 wins this year so far, more than 100 clear of second-placed Travis Henry. His $9.4 million in earnings are the most by any driver in Canada by a wide margin.

Woodbine Mohawk Park will race next on Thursday, Dec. 8.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink