TORONTO, October 10, 2025 – Once a week, throughout the Mohawk racing season, Woodbine will profile a horse who has had a life-changing impact on one of their closest connections. This week, decorated driver Phil Hudon, who sports more than 4,800 wins and $63 million in prizes on his sterling resume, and retired champion pacer Big Jim. The Burlington, Ontario-based reinsman piloted the powerful bay to all 10 career victories, each a testament to their formidable partnership. Big Jim Foaled: March 30, 2008 Sire: Western Ideal Dam: Bold Pink Wins-Seconds-Thirds: 10-3-4 Earnings: $1,544,580 Trainer: James Dean Owner: Big Jim Syndicate Breeder: Hanover Shoe Farms Inc. What were your first impressions of Big Jim? “The first time I drove him was in a series called the Dream Maker at Mohawk. He finished second but felt like a green horse with lots of power. Once he put it together, he’d be a nice horse. “It felt like he felt a bit lost that first start, but I thought he had lots of potential. He ended up winning the next Dream Maker race – I got a good trip. He had lots of power under the hood.” What race of his was meaningful to you and why? “Probably the [2010] Breeders Crown. Everything just worked out perfectly for that race, but he’s had lots of good races, sometimes I just drove badly, but he was an excellent horse. “The second in the [2011] Meadowlands Pace was pretty cool, too. Betterthancheddar had his worst race ever, and I was following him, and it took me out of the race a bit, but that was a big race. “That’s when I realized, if you get the opportunity to drive a good horse, they definitely get you where you got to be. Everybody’s looking to follow them, or they respect them once they’re legit.” Can you liken him to a particular athlete? If so, who and why? “His personality was that he just wanted to do it. He was just so powerful, like a Bo Jackson. Just overpowering at two. Then, at three, they kind of caught up to him, but if I would have not used him early and stuff, he might have been a little bit [better]. “He had some issues, and he had a big heart. If I had a couple bad drives, he’d finish up a bit tired, but he was pinchy too. “The horses that want to do it, they’re going to get a little lame because they try. Big Jim did it easy, he wanted to do his work, and he always rested during the day to conserve his energy. He was smart.” Three words to describe him? “Brilliant. Powerful. Athletic.” How has he changed your life? “He definitely made me realize that you can drive with anybody with the right horse. If you have the horsepower, you can drive with the best of the best. That’s when I realized, if you get a Big Jim once or twice a year, you’re doing pretty good. “You just realize that a good horse can make you look good, and a bad horse can make you look bad. That’s when I learned that. “There are great drivers out there, don’t get me wrong, but if you have something to work with, you can look a lot better, that’s for sure. If you have one that wants to do it and has some class, you’re going to do well.” By Matthew Lomon, for Woodbine Share This:Share
