When asked how one came to be involved in the harness racing industry, a common answer is, I was born into it. I’m sure I can speak for many second and third generation horsemen, when I say it somehow feels as if it’s just in your blood. Seventeen year-old Scott McGinn of Stony Plain agrees. Gerald McGinn, veteran Alberta horsemen is Scott’s grandfather. It is Gerald who is responsible for sparking the interest and love for the horse racing business in Scott at a very young age. Scott says it all started when he recalls going to watch his grandparent’s horses race as a youngster. “I loved it!” smiles Scott.

Being competitive is said to having a strong desire to compete and succeed. The young McGinn is no stranger to that. This energetic teen tells me that he enjoys being involved in many sports and that the competitive streak in him applies well to the sport of horse racing. Scott enjoys watching the horses his grandparents bred, grow and become race horses. How friendly horses can be and how nice it is to spend a day working with them, are what Scott loves the most about horses. When asked who his favorite horse the answer was quick and easy “GTS JAKE!” Scott says they are buddies and have been since the very beginning. The McGinn homebred stead has made over eighty thousand dollars, and has paced his fastest time in 1:53.3. “He’s just awesome!” laughs Scott. Over the years it is Gerald, Scott’s grandfather who has been and remains one of his biggest role models. “Grandpa taught me everything I know, and still is”. Along with Gerald being someone Scott looks up to, there is also the successful reinsmen Brian Sears. Scott grins and tells me he just simply thinks “he’s a great driver!”

In catching up with Gerald, he shared with me that he believes Scott is an extremely respectable and polite young man. The elder McGinn smiles and adds that Scott is considerate and that he is proud of the man Scott’s growing up to be. With that Gerald hopes for Scott to finish his education before he decides what awaits his career path. Scott hopes to one day win the Hambletonian and the Little Brown Jug. With how well Scott handles himself and the horses according to his grandfather that could very well be a possibility! With the outlook of our industry being in a down flux over the last few years, it is optimistic to see younger generations investing themselves in this industry we are all so dearly passionate about. We appreciate you Scott and wish you the very best in this business...drive on!!

Written By: Brinsley Brooking-Lutz