Premier Pat Binns today congratulated Island native Mark MacDonald on his victory in the Little Brown Jug harness race.
“Over the last few years, Mark MacDonald has certainly established himself as one of North America’s leading harness race drivers,” said Premier Pat Binns. “On behalf of the Province, I want to congratulate Mark MacDonald and his family on earning such a prestigious win with his latest victory in the Little Brown Jug.”
MacDonald, a native of Kingston, is one of North America’s leading harness racing drivers who, in 2005, broke the Canadian harness racing record for most wins by claiming an impressive 693 victories. MacDonald also topped Canadian race earnings, driving horses to more than $8 Million in race purses.
The Little Brown Jug is the premier pacing classic for 3-year-old horses in the United States, held in Delaware County, Ohio. MacDonald drove Mr. Feelgood to victory in the 61st Little Brown Jug, posting fractions of :26, :54.3, 1:22 and 1:50.3 before a cheering crowd of more than 50,000 people. A large contingent of islanders, including many members of MacDonald’s extended family, were on hand to celebrate MacDonald’s accomplishment. Premier Binns called MacDonald after the race to congratulate him and offer best wishes.
“Prince Edward Island has a well deserved reputation as a leader in the sport of harness racing. This reputation has been built through generations of Island families who have brought excellence to the sport. Today, Mark MacDonald has proven once again how a new generation of Islanders is proudly carrying on that legacy,” said Binns.