by Kelly Spencer, communications manager, Grand River Raceway

Elora, ON — It was an emotionally-charged winner’s circle ceremony following this year’s Battle of Waterloo at Grand River Raceway in Elora on August 4. Eighteen-year-old Doug McNair executed a masterful drive to pilot his father’s horse, Trail Boss, to a half-length finish over a hard-closing Josh Seelster in the C$300,000 dash.

Trainer Gregg McNair co-owns the homebred Apaches Fame-Lavish Gem colt with his mother, Gwendolyn McNair. The Guelph, Ontario horseman has finished second in the Battle of Waterloo (in 1999 and 2000), but this was his first victory. For his son, Doug, it is a major achievement early in his promising career.

The C$150,000 payday for the McNairs marks the maiden victory for Trail Boss. While the colt is reportedly a handful in the barn, he makes up for his temperamental shortcomings with tremendous speed and stamina. Sent off at odds of 8-1, Trail Boss clocked his first career win in 1:56.

Josh Seelster and Mark MacDonald finished second for trainer Casie Coleman and Silver Sunset finished third for last year’s Battle of Waterloo runner-up John Pentland.