by Jack Ginnetti

Marlborough, MA — Harness driving great Bill “Magic Man” O’Donnell confirmed yesterday that he will attend the New England chapter’s 50th anniversary awards program on October 23 at the Courtyard Marriott in Marlborough, Mass.

O’Donnell spoke at length with Robert Lieberman, dinner chairman, and said he was looking forward to renewing friendships with a dozen golden era greats who will be among those receiving awards for their longtime career accomplishments.

The Magic Man is still an active driver-trainer in Canadian circles and his career blossomed after he left the New England region for the Meadowlands. His 5,741 career wins through 2010 ranks him 51st among North American drivers. He is also ranked 12th with purse earnings of $98,514,782.

O’Donnell raced with the likes of Jim Doherty, Leroy Copeland, Bill Faucher, Paul Battis, Freeman Parker, Don Richards, Ted Wing, John Hogan, Leigh Fitch and several other top New England horsemen before moving on to the Big M in the mid-1970s.

An overflow crowd is expected to be on hand for the chapter’s biggest social event.