by Greg Gangle, WEG Communications

Campbellville, ON — Just six months ago, the prospect of James MacDonald driving in the C$543,000 Maple Leaf Trot would have been a dream, but on Saturday at Mohawk, that dream will be reality.

The Guelph resident, who was involved in a serious race accident on Jan. 12 at Woodbine Racetrack, will steer the Jeff Gillis-trained Knows Nothing in the 61st edition of the Maple Leaf Trot.

Michael Burns photo

James MacDonald will drive Knows Nothing in the Maple Leaf Trot.

MacDonald, 27, suffered a broken right ankle along with torn ligaments following the spill. He required surgery on Jan. 14, which resulted in the addition of two plates and eight screws for corrective healing.

MacDonald was sidelined more than two months following the accident.

“If you told me a few months ago when I was laying on the couch with a broken leg that I would have been driving in the Maple Leaf Trot, I would have said you were crazy,” MacDonald said with a chuckle. “When I heard I was driving Knows Nothing, I was just ecstatic.”

MacDonald doesn’t take the opportunity for granted and is keen to be a part of Maple Leaf Trot history.

“To be in this race is really a dream come true for me,” said MacDonald. “I love driving trotters and just to be in such a prestigious race with its history is incredible. The best horses in the world have been in this race and this year is no different.”

The Cornwall, PEI native will also embark on another milestone on Saturday.

“It will be the biggest purse I’ve ever raced for,” he said. “It’s a pretty amazing feeling. I was privileged enough to drive Jet Wash in the Breeders Crown last year (purse of $500,000), also for Jeff (Gillis), and this is even sweeter. Jeff has been very good to me and it’s a privilege to drive for him and him allowing me the chance.”

Knows Nothing, who has been installed as a longshot with a 30-1 morning line, will begin from post four.

It will be the first time MacDonald has teamed up with the talented son of Kadabra.

“I have watched him (Knows Nothing) race many times; he is a very nice horse and is very versatile,” said MacDonald. “He is a great horse in with a field of great horses so really anything can happen. He has gone some huge trips at Mohawk in the past, so we just need him to go the trip of his life on Saturday.”

MacDonald, who has posted 714 victories in his career along with C$6,362,122 in earnings, dismisses any pressure heading into this weekend.

“I don’t feel a ton of pressure,” he said. “If it is meant to be, it will be. As long as the trip works out and the horse gives a hundred percent, I’m sure we will be happy afterwards.”

Knows Nothing has banked $647,451 in his career for Gillis along with partners Marvin Katz, Al Libfeld, Gerald Stay and Mac Nichol. The 4-year-old bay has a career record of 10-4-3 from 25 career starts. His 1:51.4 speed badge was taken earlier this year at Mohawk in the Preferred Trot.

The field will line up as follows: 1. Burnin Money–Jonathan Drury, 2. Mister Herbie–Jody Jamieson, 3. Arch Madness–Scott Zeron, 4. Knows Nothing–James MacDonald, 5. Uncle Peter–David Miller, 6. Wishing Stone–Jody Jamieson, 7. Guccio–Ron Pierce and 8. Market Share–Tim Tetrick.

Also on the program, North America’s top pacing mares will contest the C$391,000 Roses Are Red final. The field will line up as follows: 1. Monkey On My Wheel–Keith Oliver, 2. Bettor B Lucky–David Miller, 3. Drop The Ball–Doug McNair, 4. Anndrovette–Tim Tetrick, 5. Economy Terror–Ron Pierce, 6. Camille–Sylvain Filion, 7. Rocklamation–Yannick Gingras, 8. Shelliscape–Randy Waples, 9. Greystone Ladylike–Scott Zeron and 10. Krispy Apple–Billy Davis, Jr.

A lucrative night of racing also includes four Canadian Breeders Championship finals featuring the province’s finest 3-year-olds. Post time for the 12-race program is slated for 7:25 p.m.