Bob McClure is Canada’s winningest standardbred driver and will vie for an O’Brien Award for driver of the year.
The 26-year-old reinsman from Elora secured his first national title in 2016, winning 576 races while earning driving titles at Flamboro Downs, Grand River Raceway and Georgian Downs.
“As much as I’m looking forward to 2017, I can’t see how it could top this year,” said McClure.
“I’ve been so lucky, and I have to admit, I’m sad to see the season come to an end.
“I’m really thankful to all the grooms, trainers, owners, racing fans and everyone else that made it an unforgettable year.”
In just his eighth year as a professional driver, McClure drove 2,418 horses to purse earnings of $3 million.
McClure surpassed 1,000 career wins in 2016, and on several occasions scored four, five or six wins during a 10-race card. He currently sits at 1,436 wins and $8.1 million in purse earnings for his career.
At the end of this month, McClure will vie for his first O’Brien Award for driver of the year. Presented by Standardbred Canada, the awards are the highest honour the sport bestows in this country, with winners decided by a panel of voters consisting of media, racing publicists and race secretaries.
McClure is up against veteran driver Sylvain Filion, a three-time O’Brien Award winner.
The gala awards ceremony takes place on Jan. 28 at The Meadowvale Hotel in Mississauga.
McClure and his partner Jody Howard and their one-year-old son Ryder moved to Elora in 2015.
