Hambletonian Society President John Campbell / Woodbine Entertainment’s Chair of the Board Hugh Mitchell / Woodbine’s Communication Manager Mark McKelvie

Key Points:
• John talks about the importance of the Breeders Crown and how even to this day and retired from driving how he still get’s a ‘charge’ when he watches the Breeders Crown races. He also talks about the Breeders Crown as a driver where he won a recod 48 Breeders Crown races and that he still remembers the first one. He also discusses how he made the decision to move to New Jersey and become a regular driver at the Meadowlands and how it was a culture shock moving from southwestern Ontario to New Jersey. John also talks about a trotter is the best horse he ever drove and why and discusses his role at the Hambletonian Society as President. Finally, John talks about the current Harness Racing Driver’s crop and whether he still gets the urge to perhaps come out of retirement and drive against some of them.
• Hugh discusses his position of Chair of the Board of Directors for Woodbine Entertainment and his responsibilities in the role. Hugh also discusses growing up in a rural part of southwestern Ontario and how he came from a harness racing family. He also mentions his prior role at Western Fair Raceway in London, ON and the time before when he was employed by Woodbine in the 2000’s. Hugh also talks about the building and development plans currently in the works for Woodbine and how these plans are just one step closer to making the racetrack self sufficient. Finally, Hugh discusses the differences in working with a rural track like Western Fair and one like Woodbine.
• Mark talks about the current Woodbine Mohawk Park race meet and how every weekend seems to be stakes filled. He also discusses tonight's Breeders Crown races at Mohawk and the special significance two of them will have for the horses Atlanta and Bulldog Hanover. On the latter , Marks talks about whether a win tonight could make Bulldog Hanover a ‘shoe in’ to be named Horse of the Year in North America. Mark also mentions about next weeks Breeders’ Cup Championships at Keeneland and why he is looking forward to the Canadian content entered to compete against the best in the world. Finally, Mark talks more about his hectic schedule over the past few months, which includes working at Woodbine, Woodbine Mohawk Park and over the summer at tracks like Hanover and Clinton. He also adds about working on COSA TV throughout the year and helping to create extra exposure for Ontario harness racing.