Thank you for everything, Paul MacDonell

by Bob Heyden

August went out with the news that Paul MacDonell at 63 was retiring.

It’s been 45 years since his first drive (1981) and win, just two drives later.

Let’s first get the numbers out there since many today are not aware of them:

5,786 victories from 46,315 drives including Ungawa in his finale.

$127,916,647 in earnings (Canadian, like MacDonell).

16 Super Final victories.

Eight Breeders Crowns.

A 138-for-859 record as a trainer for just under $1.7 million.

2008 Canadian Driver of the Year campaigning HOY Somebeachsomewhere.

Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Famer.

Three-time Metro winner.

For over a decade and a half had the highest -priced Breeders Crown winner: $140.60 with Bays Fella in 1990.

Some of the greatest horses he’s driven include Billyjojimbob, Admirals Express, Duke Of York, Village Jasper, Village Connection, Village Jiffy, Rustler Hanover, Invitro, and Lifetime Dream.

Personally, I’ve known him since the mid-1980s when he gave it a whirl at The Meadowlands for a while, during the Robins Wonder days.

Trotter or Pacer? Made no difference to MacDonell.

He reminds me a bit of “Gentleman” Jim Doherty. (Hall of Famer also from Canada). Totally decent/good guys but you had to be well aware that both were going to stand their ground on the racetrack to say the least.

MacDonell was Dexter Dunn before “Double D” made it to these shores in terms of caring for the horse, deflecting credit to the horse and the connections, and away from himself.

MacDonell started to make a name for himself in the 1990s with Bill Wellwood a big part of it.

Twice Riyadh was denied Breeders Crown glory and Village Jiffy emerged victorious.

Lifetime Dream was just that.

Billyjojimbob was a star in Sweden as well as North America and MacDonell had a hand in that.

Rustler Hanover was the first in the great line of sons of Rich N Elegant and MacDonell was part of the ride.

Duke Of York competed versus the best trotters regularly.

MacDonell and compadre Paula Wellwood, Bill’s daughter, teamed incredibly to take the first two Wellwood Memorials in 2005 and 2006 after Bill’s passing: Was It A Dream and Laddie.

Shortly after, a colt named Somebeachsomewhere entered the picture with a perfect six-for-six freshman season of 2007 with MacDonell driving for Brent McGrath and the Schooner Stable. That carried over to 2008 and his epic season completing his career at 20-for-21 over $3.2 million and was, and is, the highest average per start pacer in history. His 2008 neck defeat to Art Official ranks high, if not at the very top, of many who compile lists of the greatest ever races.

Personally, that was the turning-point moment for me with MacDonell, because of the way he handled the noise, the nonsense, the gibberish. Concerning his drive, people love to assign blame. It had to be MacDonell’s fault if you listened to the blatherers. He got beat a neck in the fastest ever Meadowlands Pace in 1:47 flat.

Here’s my one and only memo to those hysterical (still) over the lone loss in Somebeachsomewhere’s career. Ten cents on the dollar folks means one thing. Forward. No tucks, no hesitating. Go. The :51.4 record Meadowlands Pace half-mile time was not MacDonell’s doing folks. He went three deep to secure the top and wound up getting edged by a horse who had the Bob Beamon-esque night of his life and secured the victory in 1:47 flat.

That night I appeared on TV right after and said two things: “That was the greatest effort I’ve ever seen [from Somebeachsomewhere] and he will never lose another race ever again [and he finished 10-for-10].” MacDonell through it all was as gracious as ever. He never ducked from the rock throwers. You are never quite sure how someone will react when thrust upon the greatest stage. His was legendary. Human behavior professors should call him in, and add a “Somebeachsomewhere summer 2008” to their curriculum.

It’s been a great run for MacDonell at 45 years plus. I’m just one of the many well-wishers.

MacDonell was never flashy or outrageous. Was he business-like? Yes.

In many ways he reminds me of Sam McKee. Born just 10 months apart in the early ’60s. Whoever was in charge of stamping newborns with goodness and decency clearly hit both of them twice.

MacDonell’s existence was chock full of grace and dignity and full cooperation with any who needed it.

I believe the next time MacDonell grumbles under his breath will be the first. He’s been something of a silent force.

A knowledgeable guy, well informed, and always accessible, which is not a guarantee folks in the world of horse racing.

I have long felt that part of MacDonell wished to be anonymous. Sorry, maybe on Cape Breton now but not during a career like that.

As soon as I heard the retirement was official, I began my unofficial search for the next MacDonell.

Be patient please. I am afraid it might be a while.