Harness: Profile of driver/trainer Jacob Cutting

What kind of car do you drive?

My parents' truck.

Favorite dinner meal?

I love chicken parmesan, though I'm not a big fan of spaghetti, so I'll get fries instead.

What is your favorite track to race at? Why?

Cal-Expo is probably my favorite track to race at because there are very good people there all-around. Racing at night under the lights is my favorite feeling.

What is your favorite big event in racing?

Gold Cup and Saucer. I hope to be in it one day.

How often is racing on your mind?

Most of the time. There is always something to think about.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of racing?

Hang out with friends, watch horse racing or play video games.

What is your favorite sport to watch? Team?

I grew up playing soccer, so I follow FC Bayern Munich. I grew up around Alphonso Davies, he's one of their star players.

What is one thing about you most fans/bettors don’t know?

I dropped out of High School to pursue a career in racing.

What is one word that describes harness racing for you?

Speed or Power.

How did you get started in the sport?

I was born into the sport. I'm a second-generation horseman.

Was there ever a chance that you wouldn't be involved in harness racing?

No, I don't think so.

You are originally from Calgary. How did you land as a regular at Running Aces and Cal Expo?

I came out to Cal-Expo looking for warmer weather and opportunity. I decided to go to Running Aces because I saw more opportunity.

You are like a throwback in that you train and drive. Why did you choose that route?

I've always wanted to train. I thought I'd always give driving a try and see if I was any good.

Are you a better trainer or driver?

I think it's still up in the air. I enjoy doing both the same. I believe it's a bit of an advantage being a trainer/driver.

You made huge strides from your first year of driving (2019) to this year, going from 6 wins to 62. What have you learned in that time?

I've been driving with a lot of highly experienced drivers. I always take advice, pay attention and keep my mouth shut. I've learned a lot in a small period of time.

What is the best advice you've ever gotten about harness racing?

My father has always told me to keep my ears and eyes open and my mouth shut. I believe that's helped me a lot so far.

What was your favorite moment in harness racing?

Winning my first race with Cajun Beat at Track On 2.

Which is the best horse you've ever driven?

Hoo Nien A for Chris Scicluna. He's my fastest winning mile – 1:51 3/5.

Which horse is/was your favorite that you've trained?

I can't think of one that would really stick out that I've trained. I've had the opportunity to have some tough bottom-level claimers.

What's the one race that you most want to win in your career?

Probably the Gold Cup and Saucer. The whole atmosphere and all the fans that show up is amazing.

How many horses do you have in the barn?

Nine horses.

You won four races at Cal Expo on November 21. What was that like?

It was a good way to start the racing season for sure. Winning races is the greatest feeling ever.

If you could choose any horse in history to train or drive, which horse would it be and why?

Cambest for sure. I don’t think I have to explain.

How did COVID-19 affect your life?

My life hasn't been affected much from COVID other than when racing was shut down.

If you had the power to change one thing in the sport, what would it be?

Make it easier for younger people to be able to get their driver's license. You don’t technically need to know the business inside and out to be able to to have a good set of hands and create speed.

How do you view the future of harness racing?

I think harness racing is going to change over time and always be around.

As a young person in the sport (19 years old), do you have any tips on how harness racing can reach the younger generation?

Anything online will reach the younger generation.

Thinking long term, do you have aspirations of moving to a bigger circuit down the road?

Yes, of course that's always a goal in mind.

Time for the stretch drive:

Best Horse You Ever Saw: Lazarus

Lasix – Yes or No?: Yes

Favorite TV Show?: Last Chance U on Netflix.

Trotters or Pacers?: Pacers.