Harness: Profile of driver/trainer Paul MacDonell

For more than 40 years Paul MacDonell has been part of the racing landscape. He drove his first of 5,695 career winners in 1981 and has gone on to win more than $112 million with those horses.

From a family that has always had some involvement in Standardbred racing, MacDonell has branched out into training over the last decade and won over 15% of his races.

Perhaps best known for driving the all-time great Somebeachsomewhere, MacDonell is a native of Oshawa, Canada. The soon to be 59-year-old took some time to speak to us about "The Beach" and his career.

How did your interest in Harness Racing begin?

Through family. My dad had a few horses, so did my uncles and my grandfathers. It was kind of passed down through generations.

Your father Blaise raced horses. How much of an impact did that have on your involvement?

Bigtime. He didn't do it full-time, so we just raced basically at the small tracks in Ontario. You learn from the ground up on those types of horses, so it was a big influence.

You drove your first winner in 1981 as an 18-year-old. How fresh is that memory?

I don't think I'll ever forget it. It was with a horse called Dandy J Mite that my dad and I owned. When I went for my license I was really nervous. I got more comfortable as I went on and once I secured my license I couldn't wait to get driving.

Who helped you most during your career?

My dad was my biggest influence, but then I had some trainers that put me on some better horses as I went on. Probably Bill Wellwood back in the 90's. He gave me quality animals to drive.

What kind of car do you drive?

Silverado truck. I've driven half-tons for quite a while and I like it.

Favorite dinner meal? Snack?

Steak and baked potato. It is my go-to in the summer time. Potato chips as a snack.

What is your favorite track to race at? Why?

Mohawk Park because it has been home to me for quite some time. It is a great track to race on and I enjoy the comradery with all the people in the paddock every night. It is kind of like part of our community.

What is your favorite big event in racing? Why?

I really love watching the Hambletonian. As a spectator I think it is the biggest-staged race. I was fortunate to be in it a few times and I think my best finish was third with Duke Of York in 2002.

How often are horses or racing on your mind?

It probably takes up about 75% of my mind per day.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of harness racing?

Golfing. It is a great getaway. It also gives you a chance to curse something outside of racing [laughing].

What is your favorite sport to watch? Team?

Hockey. I'm a diehard Maple Leafs fan that has been suffering for 50 years.

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

I like to read.

What is one word that describes harness racing for you?

Pleasure. I really love Harness Racing. I lot of people give it a bad rap and it needs improvement, but it is still a pretty good sport.

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You are nearing 5,700 career driving wins. What does that number mean to you?

Not so much. I kind of take more pride in the over $100 million [$112 million career horse earnings] over the amount of wins. I think being in the top 20 overall in earnings means a little more.

Since 2011 you've also been successful training a small stable with 72 wins in 474 starts. What made you decide to train horses?

I always liked it. That's how I started in the business. I always owned a few horses with people when I was strictly driving. I just wanted some of my own horses on the side and now it has kind of branched off into more owners. It is kind of satisfying to bring a horse along and make a racehorse out of him.

How many are you currently training?

Nine. When I started back in 2011 I only had one or two. It has just kind of grown a bit.

Which is the best horse you've ever trained?

Melmerby Beach. I think he made $600,000 maybe. The Schooner Stable owned him and I think he ended up pacing in (1:)47. He was a nice horse.

You've won three Metros and eight Breeders Crowns in your career. What was your best moment in harness racing?

Winning the North America Cup with Somebeachsomewhere [2008]. It was at my hometown track at Mohawk and we had quite a family gathering. The crowd was really with "Beach" that night and were really cheering for him. It was a night you never forget.

Was Somebeachsomewhere ahead of his time in terms of speed and ability?

I think so. Even today you don't see that many horses that can cut a mile and win in 1:46. He did that at The Red Mile 14 years ago. I would have to say on that merit alone he was ahead of his time.

Looking back some 14 years later at his only loss, do you wish you drove him differently in the Meadowlands Pace?

Anytime you lose a race you think about how you could've done some different. The race got ran and it happened the way it did. He got beat a half-length to Art Official who was incredible that night.

Are you surprised at how good Art Official was that night?

Yes, very surprised. I didn't see that coming. He did it and he got us that night.

You drove 2-year-old Beach Glass in 2021 for the same connections as Somebeachsomewhere. How talented is this horse?

I think he is talented enough to play with the big boys this year. He came along quite quickly last year. When we went to the Breeders Crown, looking back, he probably didn't have enough education in him. He was a little green still. We are looking for him to mature a little more this year and be ready to rock when the big money is available this year.

What is the best advice you could give about harness racing?

It is not an easy sport but if you work at it you can be successful, just like any other business. Hard work will pay off.

What did your 2020 nomination to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame mean to you?

It meant a lot. It was a little unexpected and quite an honor to be nominated. There hasn't been a ceremony yet. It is supposed to be this year due to COVID.

Is there one race that you still want to win in your career?

There are a few. I'd like to win the Hambletonian. Also, I've always liked the Maple Leaf Trot. That is a prestigious race up here in Canada. If I can get my hands on one of those two that would cap everything off.

If you weren't involved in harness racing, what would you be doing?

I don't know. I was supposed to do that since the time I was a young teenager. Maybe a ditch digger [laughing]?

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

Everyone complains about how long the nights are at the racetrack. If we could speed that up more and keep people more entertained, just something to keep their attention; that would be a good start.

How do you view the future of harness racing?

I'm an optimist. We have tracks now that really want to race, which is the main thing because there are some that really don't and just go through the motions. The ones that want to race put on a good show. I think our breed has come a long way and we have tremendous horses. The product just seems to be getting better and better. I'm excited for the future.

Time for the stretch drive.

Best Horse you ever saw: Somebeachsomewhere, but I'm a little biased on that one.

Best Horse not named Somebeachsomewhere: When I was a kid in my teens I saw Niatross race at Greenwood. I remember being in awe of that horse.

Best Trainer: Brett Pelling. He's just been so great through the years. He stopped and came back while maintaining his status.

Lasix -- Yes or No?: Yeah, I'm a believer. There are horses that bleed and they need help.

Favorite TV Show?: I don't watch a lot of shows. Maybe Overdrive, which is a sports talk show like Pardon The Interruption in the U.S.

Trotters or Pacers?: I lean towards trotters.