from the Ontario Sire Stakes

Toronto, ON — Clinton Raceway closed out its 2018 season with an outstanding afternoon of racing on Sunday (Sept. 2) featuring the 38th annual Charity Driver’s Challenge. Contested over the first eight races, the Charity Driver’s Challenge was a fierce battle between Jody Jamieson, Doug McNair and Bob McClure. Heading into the final leg of the challenge McNair was leading with 160 points, McClure sat second with 137 and Jamieson was in third with 128 points. With a gritty first-over effort aboard Grande Seelster, Jamieson claimed the victory and with it his sixth Clinton Charity Driver’s Challenge title.

Clinton Raceway photo

Jody Jamieson collected sixth Clinton Charity Driver’s Challenge on Sunday afternoon.

“To win number six today was a bit of a shock really. Some of the top young drivers in the country were here today, so you never know how it will play out,” said Jamieson. “Fortunately, I had the best horses today and made it look quite easy.”

The participating drivers and Clinton Raceway fans raised just over C$5,000 for the Tanner Steffler Foundation, which aims to support Huron County youth aged 12 to 24, and their families, with issues surrounding mental health and addiction, with the long-term goal of building a treatment and wellness facility within the county.

All eight drivers — Natasha Day, Jonathan Drury, Ryan Holliday, Jamieson, James MacDonald, McClure, McNair and Scott Wray — were enthusiastic participants in the annual event, both for the friendly rivalry and the cause they were supporting.

“I was leading until the last race and then got beat by Jody,” said McNair. “But it was all for a good cause. It is important for people to realise that everyone and anyone can have mental health challenges, and no one should feel like they are different because of it, or be unable to find help.”

Racing will return to Clinton Raceway in 2019 with more Ontario Sires Stakes action, family friendly events and community fundraising activities.