Q & A with the Ontario Regional Driving Finalists

- Interviews By Sarah Imrie

Iinterviews in the Paddock Day of the Finals

JODY JAMIESON, 34

Finished with 73 points- Moving on to Nationals!

Hometown: Hagersville, Ontario

Jody has been in the harness racing industry for the last 17 years, growing up dreaming of being a driver by watching his father and his grandfather before him. The driving gene is in his blood! I had a chance to ask the former World Driving Champion some questions to get a little insight into Harness Racing's answer to the 'Energizer Bunny'...

Q: What would it mean to you to win the Ontario Championship? 
I've always wanted to be the best driver in the world so if I win the Ontario I will have a chance to become that again. 

Q: What size track do you prefer to drive and why?
I love a mile track...The Red Mile is probably everybody's fave but the Meadowlands is a great mile as well

Q: What has been your greatest moment in your career thus far? 
I have been so blessed to have gotten to drive so many great horses...but none of them have made me feel better then when my Dad won the Gold Cup and Saucer...And if I ever win that race I will consider my career complete!!!

Q: Who did you idolize growing up? 
John Campbell, Wayne Gretzky, Carl Jamieson

Q: If you could drive any horse in history who would it be? 
SOMEBEACHSOMEWHERE, the greatest Standardbred to look through a bridle 

Q: Where do you see yourself in the sport 10 years from now? 
I hope I'm still able to compete at a high level against the best catch drivers in the world.

Q: Which do you prefer, Trotters or Pacers? 
Pacers for sure, they can go so fast now that they are my fave. .A good trotter is amazing as well. 

Q: How would you describe your driving style? a. laid back b. front ender c. rail hugger d. aggressive throughout e. dead closer?
All of the above but some might call me aggressive!!!! I don't mind what they think of me as long as they are naming me to drive.

Q: If you could meet any famous person in history who would it be? 
I've been lucky enough to have met some of my modern day heroes like Mats Sundin and Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, George Chuvalo, Brian Burke, but I guess the one person I'd love to meet would be Garth Brooks, he's so talented, and I saw him in concert once, and he was amazing for 2 hours straight without a break. Unreal! 

Q: For the lady racing fans out there.....Married? Single? In a Relationship? 
Married 

Q: What is the strangest thing you've ever eaten? 
I like to try to eat what the locals eat, where ever in the world I am, so, when I was in Finland for the WDC 2001, I tried what I thought was a cream cheese pastry, but when I bit into it, I soon found that it wasn't a pastry, it was thinly sliced and rolled Reindeer!!!!! yuck!!!! 

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you most like to visit? 
Italy, in particular, The Isle of Capri! Spent a day there in 2005, but you need a couple of days to really appreciate it!!

 

TREVOR HENRY, 39

Finished with 64 points - Moving on to Nationals!

Hometown: Arthur, Ontario

Coming into the Ontario Regional Driving Championship Trevor Henry has the home court advantage. He is definitely a well-known driver to Western Fair fans and has seen a great share of his success right here at London's harness oval. Soft-spoken Henry, from one of Ontario's family trotting dynasties, is a man of few words; he lets his driving do the talking….

Q: What made you decided to get into racing?
Mostly my Dad, and because my family was involved in it.

Q: What size track do you prefer to drive?
½ miles, it's what I'm used to, and have driven most often over.

Q: What has been your greatest moment in your career thus far?
The Molson Pace [ Trevor won the Molson Pace with the longest shot on the board in 2008, Eagle Luck, beating out Pace favourites Tigerama and Zooka]
SI: That was a great upset that night, entering the race you knew it was a long shot for you to take home top prize; did you have a strategy for bringing Eagle Luck to victory lane?
TH: Not really, I would have just been happy taking home a check from the race.

Q: Who did you idolize growing up?
Bud Fritz [The Walkerton Wizard, who dominated the OSS Program in the 1970's and 80's]

Q: Favourite horse up to this point in your career?
Ham's Delight

Q: Which do you prefer, Trotters or Pacers?
I like trotters, my family trains them mostly and we've had great luck with them.

Q: If you could meet any famous person in history, who would it be?
Wayne Gretzky
SI: That seems to be a popular answer, are you a hockey fan? Do you have a favourite team?
TH: Tampa Bay Lightning

Q; Favourite Food?
Steak

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you most like to visit?
Australia, I just want to explore the country.

We look forward to seeing this hometown favourite, battle it out on Wednesday March 30th on his familiar turf here at Western Fair.

 

SIMON ALLARD, 28

Finished with 53 points

Hometown: Saint-Esprit, Quebec

Simon Allard, dubbed "The French Phenom" by the Meadowlands broadcast crew, came down the 401 from Montreal with a reputation for winning horse races, and getting the most out of his charges. He certainly has lived up to that reputation in Ontario, as the Allard wave has washed up at most Ontario racetracks.
Now tackling the tough WEG circuit with equal ease, there seems to be no stopping this talented driver. For the past two weekends he has dipped into the talent rich Meadowlands driving pool with great success, and as many before him, he will try and gain a toe hold at the New Jersey showplace. Only time will tell if he is just the flavour of the month, or the real deal on the Jersey shore.
On Wednesday Western Fair race fans will get to witness his aggressive driving style against Ontario's best.

Q: What made you decide to get into racing?
I was winning lots of pony races (shorter distance) when I was a kid (trotting bred) in 
Quebec and the US (started driving when I was nine); so I decided to make a career out of it.

Q: What would it mean to you to win the Ontario Championship?
It would tell me that I'm as good as anyone
.
Q: What size track do you prefer to drive on and why?
Five-eighths – up to a mile track because everyone has a chance even if you have a bad post.

Q: What has been your greatest moment in your career thus far?
My first win – 2005 – Southside Simon.

Q: Who did you idolize growing up?
John Campbell.

Q: If you could drive any horse in history which one would it be? 
Somebeachsomewhere the fastest horse ever.

Q: Where do you see yourself in the sport 10 years from now? 
Top five in North America.

Q: Which do you prefer, trotters or pacers?
Pacers for speed.

Q: How would you describe your driving style - a. laid back b. front ender c. rail hugger d. aggressive throughout e. dead closer?
Aggressive throughout.

Q: Is there one race you would like to win in your driving career?
The Little Brown Jug.

Q: If you could meet any famous person in history who would it be? 
Wayne Gretzky

Q: For the lady racing fans out there.....Married? Single? In a relationship?
In a relationship.

Q: What is the strangest thing you've ever eaten?
Spider sushi; I didn't know what it was…..wasn't that bad
.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you most like to visit? 
Australia.

 

DOUG MCNAIR, 21

Finished with 52 points

Hometown: Guelph, Ontario

Ontario is now blessed with a bumper crop of young and talented driving stars. In Doug McNair we have the youngest driver in harness racing history to reach 1,000 wins, and a fan favourite on Ontario's B tracks and the WEG circuit.
Already with an impressive resume that continues to be added to every day, this young teamster is on the fast track to superstardom. Veteran observers continue to marvel about his savvy horse sense, and most cannot remember such a meteoric rise since the days of another young South-Western Ontario driver, John Campbell. Will the home court advantage help McNair snag the Ontario crown?

Q: What made you decide to get into racing?
My family; my dad and my dad's dad have had 30 to 40 years in the business.

Q: What would it mean to you to win the Ontario Championship?
It would be a huge boost to my career.

Q: What size track do you prefer to drive on and why?
It's fun to race on the mile, but I usually race the half-mile tracks, so I like that too.

Q: What has been the greatest moment in your career thus far?
There have been a lot...
Definitely winning the Confederation Cup or the Battle of Waterloo when I was only 18.

Q: Who did you idolize growing up?
John Campbell, and of course my dad.

Q: If you could drive any horse in history which one would it be?
Somebeachsomewhere
.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the sport 10 years from now?
I want to be one of the top guys at Woodbine, and a top guy in the Grand Circuit; really the top money driver, that's what it ends up being about.

Q: Which do you prefer, trotters or pacers?
Pacers, because I like to go fast, but a nice, good gaited trotter is fun to sit behind.

Q: How would you describe your driving style - a. laid back b. front ender c. rail hugger d. aggressive throughout e. dead closer?
I try to drive the style that the horse needs!

Q: Is there one race you would like to win in your driving career?
The Little Brown Jug.

Q: If you could meet any famous person in history who would it be?
Sidney Crosby or Alex Ovechkin.

Q: Favourite Hockey Team?
Toronto Maple Leafs.

Q: For the lady racing fans out there.....Married? Single? In a relationship? 
Single.

Q: What is the strangest thing you've ever eaten?
I've had liver before, that's the strangest thing I can think of ...didn't like it.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you most like to visit?
Afghanistan...no that doesn't sound right...probably Italy.

 

SCOTT ZERON, 21

Finished with 40 points

Hometown: Montreal, Quebec

The suave and smooth talking young racing star, Scott Zeron, is taking the harness racing industry by storm. He is currently riding high as one of North America's top drivers of 2011, and has no intention of slowing down anytime soon.
With over $1 million in purse winnings this year alone, Zeron is following in his father Rick's footsteps, and as the old saying goes, the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Never at loss for words, much like his dad, Scott is a walking, talking poster boy for harness racing.

Q: What made you decide to get into racing? 
I was born into the racing game, and have loved it all my life.

Q: What would it mean to you to win the Ontario Championship?
Winning the Ontario Driving Championship would be an amazing accomplishment, that would help propel my career. To be thought of as the best is what all of us will be trying to achieve.

Q: What size track do you prefer to drive on and why? 
I prefer a five-eighths mile track as it has just the right amount of action and isn't all front end speed.

Q: What has been the greatest moment in your career thus far?
There have been many great moments, thanks to everyone in the industry that has helped me but, the 2010 Gold Cup and Saucer win with Part Shark in track record fashion has to be my favourite moment. To have a crowd that large, with the lights turned off on the track for a spot light post parade, just to get the nerves and excitement ready for a thrill of a lifetime. It was truly an unforgettable moment!

Q: Who did you idolize when you were growing up? 
Aside from my father, of course, I always idolized Tim Tetrick and still do!

Q: If you could drive any horse in history which one would it be? 
Somebeachsomewhere is the horse I would have loved to have driven. There is no greater feeling than knowing any race he was in could be a world record.

Q: Where do you see yourself in the sport 10 years from now? 
Ten years from now I hope to be the top driver on the WEG circuit, also the leading money driver in North America.

Q: Which do you prefer, Trotters or Pacers? 
It doesn't matter to me, I feel privileged just to be given the opportunity to have a horse to sit behind. 

Q: How would you describe your driving style - a. laid back b. front ender c. rail hugger d. aggressive throughout e. dead closer? 
All of the above! All of those characteristics contribute to being a versatile driver, which is what every top driver needs to display.

Q: Is there one race you would like to win in your driving career? 
The one race I have always dreamed of winning is the North America Cup. It's a home town race, with the nicest trophy in harness racing, and $1.5 million sounds really good!

Q: If you could meet any famous person in history who would it be? 
I would want to play a round of golf with Tiger Woods; but would settle for some driving tips from Tim Tetrick and Jim Morrill Jr. 

Q: Are you married? Single? In a Relationship? 
I am single and always looking. (SI: Do you hear that girls? There might be a chance for a claim here!)

Q: What is the strangest thing you've ever eaten? 
In France, I ate liver pate and almost vomited on the spot. 
It was at a dinner gala with the world's best drivers and horsemen. I actually swallowed it out of respect, but literally wanted to just go out and order a pizza.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you most like to go?
I would like to visit Australia and travel Europe. It's very interesting to see how harness racing is presented and conducted in other countries.

SCOTT COULTER, 40

Finished with 34 points

Hometown: London, Ontario

Sometimes flying under the radar like a stealth bomber, Scott Coulter just appears. He may not get the press that some of the other young guns generate, but night after night he plies his trade at Central Ontario racetracks delivering that big strike.
As one prominent trainer put it, "He's workman like, goes about his business in a professional manner, gets the job done and leaves something in the tank for next week." In the sport of harness racing what more can you ask for in a catch driver?

Q: What made you decide to get into racing?
I grew up in it following my dad around.

Q: What would it mean to you to win the Ontario Championship?
It's a great stepping stone towards the international stage. It's a great way to become more recognized.

Q: What size track do you prefer to drive on and why?
I've had most of my experience, and therefore, success on the half milers.

Q: What has been your greatest moment in your career thus far?
I would say my season in 2005 where I was driving Lady Dillinger. She was a three-year-old pacing filly that we did really well with in the Ontario Sires Stakes and Canadian Breeders Championship

Q: Who did you idolize growing up?
My dad.

Q: If you could drive any horse in history which one would it be?
Cam Fella or Greyhound.

Q: Where do you see yourself in the sport 10 years from now?
Well, depending on how my body holds out, I'd like to still be doing what I'm doing, and hopefully keep improving.

Q: Which do you prefer trotters or pacers?
I'd have to say I like a really nice trotter.

Q: How would you describe your driving style - a. laid back b. front ender c. rail hugger d. aggressive throughout e. dead closer?
All of the above but I guess I would say I'm a laid-back, versatile driver.

Q: Is there one race you would like to win in your driving career?
The Little Brown Jug would be cool.

Q: If you could meet any famous person in history who would it be?
I can't think of anyone in particular that is famous, but if I could go back in time I'd like to spend time with my grandparents on my father's side.

Q: For the lady racing fans out there.....Married? Single? In a Relationship?
Married.

Q: What is the strangest thing you've ever eaten?
Frogs Legs, in Ottawa.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you most like to visit?
Africa and New Zealand. I consider myself outdoorsy, so I would love to explore the landscape.

GORD BROWN, 49

Finished with 27 points

Hometown: Whitby, Ontario

For many years Gord was in the shadow of another family driving star, his brother Doug, Canada's most decorated driver of all time, but in Eastern Ontario Gord's star has always shone brightly. At Ottawa's Rideau Carleton Raceway, or at his home base of Kawartha Downs, trainers look to Gord as their 'go to guy'. What trainers and fans in Eastern Ontario have known for years, is now becoming apparent to the rest of the racing world. This sulky sitter has talent, lots of it, and should never be overlooked whether he's on a 1-9 favourite or a 99-1 shot. Oh so close last year, will the senior statesman in this year's Championship turn the tables this year?

Q: What would it mean to you to win the Ontario Championship?
First of all this is a very deep field. I don't anticipate many mistakes. It would mean an awful lot to me. Also, last time at London I missed by one point. It will bother me till the grass grows over me.

Q: What size track do you prefer to drive on and why?
Racing at London I probably shouldn't say this, but anything but a half mile.

Q: What has been your greatest moment in your career thus far?
Nothing huge - winning a Gold Final at my home track for a great gentleman Don Lowe; winning 12 driver titles at Kawartha Downs; my track records; winning the driving title at Kawartha Downs & Rideau Carleton in the same year; training and owning part of Perfect Out in the '80s and time trialing Forrest Trillium to a world record at Lexington.

Q: Who did you idolize growing up?
I am a little older than most of the guys here, so I go back to the day of Stanley Dancer, and Bill Haughton, and of course John Campbell and Billy O.

Q: If you could drive any horse in history who would it be?
I think a lot of people would pick Somebeachsomewhere because he is so fresh in our minds, and I am no different, but I will throw in Niatross and Cam Fella as well.

Q: Where do you see yourself in the sport 10 years from now?
The way the game is going I am not so sure, but I do have a few things up my sleeve.

Q: Which do you prefer, trotters or pacers?
I would say trotters, just because I own one.

Q: How would you describe your driving style - a. laid back b. front ender c. rail hugger d. aggressive throughout e. dead closer?
I know f is not an option, but I am going to say it anyway... f. all of the above.

Q: Is there one race would you still like to win in your driving career?
The next one.

Q: If you could meet any famous person in history who would it be?
Let me start by saying stars and celebrities, and people who think they are, do not impress me. They get up in the morning and put their pants on one leg at a time, the same as you and I. Having said that, I would love to follow Donald Trump around for a day, and go out for a night on the town with Jack Nicholson, he's the coolest man in the world.

Q: What is the strangest thing you've ever eaten?
Nothing really exotic, probably squid and caviar. I've always said you have to try something once to know how crappy it tastes.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you most like to visit?
In order, Dubai and Hong Kong.

JOHN MACDONALD, 29

Finished with 24 points

Hometown: Charlottetown, PEI

With this year’s Canadian Driving Championship final at the Charlottetown Driving Park, down-home island boy John Macdonald would dearly love to go home as one of the two Ontario representatives.  The magnet that is Prince Edward Island draws its native sons back strongly. 
With that wisp of island brogue in his voice, one can tell that this former Islander was baptized into the sport at an early age. Since coming to Ontario, he has steadily gained a reputation as one of Eastern Ontario’s premier sulky-sitters. Going back as one of Ontario’s representatives in front of the hometown crowd would make any Islander beam from ear to ear.

Q: What made you decide to get into racing?
My father, I grew up around horses.

Q: What would it mean to you to win the Ontario Championship?
It would mean that I’m able to compete against the best drivers in Canada.

Q: What size track do you prefer to drive on and why?
A seven-eighths of a mile track. I find it easier, and you have more room to get settled.

Q: What has been your greatest moment in your career thus far?
Making the Gold Cup and Saucer Finals and winning back to back driving titles at Rideau Carleton.

Q: Who did you idolize growing up?
Hugh Hefner.

Q: If you could drive any horse in history who would it be?
Life Sign on Little Brown Jug day.

Q: Where do you see yourself in the sport 10 years from now?
Still making a good living and competing at the top level in the sport.

Q: Which do you prefer, trotters or pacers?
Pacers, there weren’t a lot of trotters to drive while I was growing up in Prince Edward Island.

Q: How would you describe your driving style - a. laid back b. front ender c. rail hugger d. aggressive throughout e. dead closer?
Rail hugger.... but really all of the above depending on the situation.

Q: Is there one race that you would like to win in your driving career?
Gold Cup and Saucer.

Q: If you could meet any famous person in history who would it be?
The “REAL” Frank Abagnale Jr. (character/real life con artist from the movie “Catch Me If You Can”).

Q: For the lady racing fans out there.....Married? Single? In a Relationship?
It’s complicated.

Q: What is the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Sushi, I’ve had it a few times....I like my fish cooked!

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you most like to visit?
I’ve met a lot of great Australians in my life, so Australia.