Regional Talent in the Spotlight at Hippodrome 3R
At 0h54, on June 13, 2026 • By Laurent Sauvé with Standardbred Canada
Hippodrome 3R will host one of the most anticipated events on the Quebec harness racing calendar this Sunday, June 14, with the presentation of the Quebec / Eastern Ontario Regional Driving Championship (QEORDC). Drivers Marie-Claude Auger, Pascal Bérubé, Nick Boyd, Stéphane Brosseau, Ryan Guy, William Roy, Robert Shepherd and Denis St-Pierre will compete in eight championship divisions, each hoping to secure one of the two available berths to the National Driving Championship, scheduled for July 26 at Clinton Raceway.
Based on the morning line odds, the contest appears likely to remain undecided until the final race, with veteran drivers Stéphane Brosseau and Robert Shepherd expected to be among the leading contenders. With two morning-line favourites apiece, both drivers could find themselves near the 60-point mark atop the standings.
Meanwhile, Nick Boyd could emerge as the surprise contender in the championship. He returns to the Regional Driving Championship after narrowly missing qualification for the national final on several occasions.
Drawing on his experience as a driver, trainer, and television analyst, Boyd explained how working in broadcasting gave him a greater appreciation for the handicapping side of the sport.
“It allows you to look at it less as a horse person and more as a handicapper,” Boyd said. “It really makes you do your homework.”
Reflecting on previous championship experiences, Boyd acknowledged the role luck can play in determining the outcome but emphasized the significance of having another chance to compete for the NDC title.
“I cherish everyone I go to,” Boyd said. “There are only 32 drivers that get to compete in this every two years, and it’s hard to take that for granted.”
Boyd had the first pick in Race 4, the second QEORDC leg. He went with post seven starter Kinnder Colosse.
“On paper and replay, he looked impressive both in stature and the way in which he stepped up in his first start from his qualifier,” Boyd told. “His tactical speed off the gate should play well given the unfortunate post draw. Never truly know what to expect from young horses in their early starts, but I was happy to be able to select this colt and feel confident in my chances.”
William Roy will be making his regional championship debut. He has a simple goal heading into Sunday’s competition.
“To win the competition. That’s my expectation,” Roy said.
Roy reflected on his lifelong connection to the sport, noting that harness racing has been part of his family for generations.
“I was born and raised in [the Standardbred industry],” he said. “I’m technically the fifth generation doing this.”
With growing opportunities behind the gate in recent years, Roy views the championship as another chance to showcase his skills on a larger stage.
“Just having the chance to have more eyes on me and have better chances with better horses, that’s good for my career,” he said.
Roy, who played hockey for 15 years before ultimately pursuing harness racing full-time, will look to get Sunday’s competition off to a strong start, having the first choice in the first QEORDC leg. He starts from the rail with Godro Bets Off.
“She’s a nice, big mare. I drove her a couple of times and have a couple of wins with her over the years,” Roy told. “She was unlucky this year with the post positions but this Sunday she had the pole position and a nice class for her. I’m pretty confident in my chances with her.”
Post time for the first race on Sunday’s harness racing card is set for noon, while the opening QEORDC division will be contested in Race 3. Championship action will continue through Race 10 on the card.
