Opening Day a wet one at Hippodrome 3R
At 12h36, on May 6, 2024 • By STEVE WOLF
With constant rain beginning at the start of the first race, the Hippodrome 3R opened its 2024 harness racing season with a ten-race card Sunday, May 5 at Trois-Rivieres, Quebec.
The very first race ended up being the fastest race on the afternoon program as 11-1 longshot Radley Hanover (Art Major) and driver Marie-Claude Auger were able to handle the off track and wire the field in 1:58.1 in a romp by ten and one-quarter lengths.
It was the first start of the year for Radley Hanover. The eight-year-old gelding is trained and owned by Karol Ann Malo of Saint-Liguori, Quebec and paid $24.50 to win.
Due to the rain, the track was listed sloppy with a three second allowance from the judges. Mud fenders and rain gear were the order of the day.
In the 8th race Preferred Pace, Thedoginthefight (Sweet Lou) and driver Jocelyn Gendron were able to grind it out first-over against pacesetter and 4/5 race favorite Born A Rebel (Stephane Brosseau) and win by a neck in 2:02.2.
Born A Rebel and Brosseau were first on the lead to the opening quarter mile. Then working his way first-over heading to the half mile was Thedoginthefight. Born A Rebel continued to lead the way in the backstretch as Thedoginthefight was moving up into second place as they raced around the final turn.
Then in the stretch drive, Thedoginthefight and Gendron dug deep and was able to collar and beat Born A Rebel. Manhatten Joe (Denis St. Pierre) was third.
It was the second win of the season for Thedoginthefight. The eight-year-old gelding is trained by Serge Houde for Gestion Louis Latulippe, Inc. of St Ferreol Les Neiges, Quebec and paid $11.60 to win.
Track Notes: Both Marie-Claude Auger and Jocelyn Gendron scored driving doubles on opening day. Live racing resumes next Sunday, May 12 with first race post time at 12:00 noon.
