While Santa Claus was most recently visible as a fan of harness racing's all-time richest horse Foiled Again on Saturday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park, he was quietly preparing for his international voyage on Christmas Eve at racetracks across Canada.
Trot Insider first spotted St. Nick at Truro Raceway on December 16, warming up a festively-outfitted Distinctiv Rusty for trainer George Rennison and owners Andrea & Ryder Rennison.
"He’s a very busy man and didn’t stay long but said he will be back on the 24th," reported Andrea of her encounter with the jolly old elf.
Showing his ability to travel large distances in one day and trim his beard quickly, Father Christmas was also active at Century Downs later that afternoon. He qualified Wink N Atcha for Kaitlin Haining and won the qualifier in 1:59.2. On the pari-mutuel card, Santa handled the lines on Kinda Funky for trainer Harold Haining.
"Got boxed in but a great drive, mare raced awesome in his care," reported Harold's wife Colleen.
Santa's on-track activity was included in a festive holiday video put together by Century Downs.