Standardbred › Drivers & Trainers

Bill O'Donnell, a native of Springhill, N.S. was born into harness racing. With his parents longtime fixtures of racing in the Maritimes, it was only natural that Bill would gravitate towards the sport too.

After graduation from high school, he journeyed to New England where he became second trainer for Jim Doherty. In 1979 he moved on to Saratoga where he took them by storm setting an all-time record for most winners at one track in a single season with 279 wins.

O'Donnell then took his "Magic" show to the Meadowlands in New Jersey and the Grand Circuit. Enroute to being named Harness Tracks of America's "Driver of the Year" in 1984 with record setting earnings of $9,059, 184 for a single season. O'Donnell confirmed himself as one of the sport's all-time premier drivers.

Nicknamed "Magic" for his innate ability in getting the most and more from his horse, O'Donnell's talents are in constant demand. To attest to this, Hall of Fame, Bill Haughton, an accomplished driver, took himself off current world champion Nihilator so that he could have the "Magic Man" drive his horse.

No other testament need be said for this champion.

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