“My school was on a hill and when we had science I could see directly down on to the track. I lost a lot of focus because I wanted to be just like them,” the 26-year-old told Harnesslink.
But Davis Jr salivates no more, because in quick time the Cambridge (Ontario) resident has firmly established himself as one of Canada’s leading drivers.
Last year his 461 wins was the second highest amount of individual victories behind Trevor Henry. His $5,026,927 in purses also saw him finish in sixth place on the money list.
And there’s been no let up this year either.
Following tonight’s meeting at Woodbine (Monday 19th February) Davis Jr had amassed 55 wins – nine behind pace-making World Champion, Jody Jamieson.
His 373 drives also see him in second place behind Jamieson with $540,765. His UDR strike rate currently sits at 0.264 compared to his 0.253 he set last year.
Not bad for a lad who only started driving in 2007!
“I came to Ontario three-and-a-half years ago from BC (British Columbia) really wanting to make a go of it here. The only requirement that was placed on me from my parents was to get a high school education.
“I did that and they have been extremely supportive of me ever since,” Davis Jr said.
Bill Davis Sr – an O’Brien Award winning horseman – is his son’s inspiration. He’s driven more than 5,000 winners and trained 3,199.
Billy Davis Jr doesn’t have time to train these days but has won 46 races as a conditioner, but in just over six seasons in the sulky he has won 1,200 races and $10,024,940.
Davis Jr loves his job so much he doesn’t even consider it work.
“I’ve been holidaying in Jamaica the last couple of weeks and I just couldn’t wait to get back in the bike. I was going nuts.
“Jamaica is nice but the holiday was too long. I miss driving. I hate being away for too long,” Davis Jr said.
He loves driving so much he never has a day off.
“On Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays I drive at Woodbine. On Wednesdays, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday nights I drive at Flamboro Downs, and then on Tuesdays I drive at Western Fair.
“And it’s just the way I like it,” he said.
The British Columbia native said his highlights last season included nailing his 1,000th win at Falmboro Downs last August, and finishing fifth in his first Breeder’s Crown drive behind Up The Credit.
“I had some real decent drives last year including Blake McIntosh’s 2-year-old filly, Kim’s Royal Day (Winbak Graduate by Royal Mattjesty).
“I’m hoping she will be my big 3-year-old drive this year. I’ve also got some nice drives lined up with top trainers like Shawn Robinson, so I’m quite excited about some of the big races ahead.”
Davis Jr said he was keeping his fingers crossed that harness racing in Ontario would continue to thrive despite all the slots-at-racetracks controversy.
“This is my home now. I want to stay here, but if it got really bad I think I would perhaps look at Ohio. I don’t have the connections in New Jersey and New York, but I’ve been told I would go well down there.
“It’s just a wait and see thing for now, but I’m happy to stay and hopefully get more stakes drives.
“My lifetime ambition is to win a North America Cup,” Davis Jr said.
Davis Jr is not married but he has a girlfriend named Mel Tilley.