PEI-based driver Paul MacDonald dies

Veteran Prince Edward Island-based horseman Paul MacDonald, who won the 1987 Gold Cup and Saucer with Maple Grove Shadow at Charlottetown Driving Park, died Saturday shortly after driving in that track’s sixth race. MacDonald, 57, reportedly collapsed in his tack room after driving the 3-year-old pacing filly Sarah Catherine—named after his daughter—to a seventh-place finish.

Following word of MacDonald’s condition a pall was cast over the racetrack which earlier in the day had been a place of celebration as it honored the return of 2008 Little Brown Jug champion Shadow Play.

MacDonald, the younger brother of Mike MacDonald, the all-time winningest driver in Gold Cup and Saucer history, had more than 1,500 winners in his career. His biggest wins came in 1987 when he won the Gold Cup and Saucer with Maple Grove Shadow, who he also directed to the first sub-2:00 mile in Atlantic Sire Stakes history at Champlain Raceway.

Although there were thoughts of canceling Sunday’s race card at Charlottetown, MacDonald’s family insisted the program be held. A memorial service will be held at the racetrack this Saturday.

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