Guy Gagnon eked out a one-point victory over fellow reinsman Sylvain Lacaille thanks to a three-win performance in Tuesday’s Quebec/Eastern Ontario Regional at Hippodrome 3R, and as a result those two will advance to the 2014 National Driving Championship.
Gagnon secured the victory in the final leg of the eight-race Quebec/Eastern Ontario Regional, earning his third challenge win to give him a total of 68 points. Lacaille held on for second, finishing with 67 points. Rounding out the leaderboard were Pascal Berube (54), Stephane Gendron (52), Denis St. Pierre (39), Jocelyn Gendron (35), Gord Brown (31) and Mario Charron (30).
"It's always exciting. Too bad about the rain," said Gagnon, who thanked the owners and trainers that agreed to let their horses participate in the tournament.
Lacaille, who came close to capturing the championship at his home track, said what had been a difficult year suddenly got a lot brighter.
"I'm really pleased," said Lacaille, who had two victories including a shocker with Show Business, who snuck up the inside to steal the seventh race at 92-1. "Drives like that, when you expect nothing, that's really fun."
Gagnon and Lacaille will square off in the national competition with the top point earners in the other regionals, including Brandon Campbell and Jim Marino, who advanced from the Western Regional on April 26, and Jody Jamieson and Billy Davis Jr., who advanced from the Ontario Regional on May 9.
The Atlantic Regional will be held at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Summerside on June 28.
The winner of the National Driving Championship will represent Canada in the World Driving Championship in Australia in February and March 2015.
(With quotes from Paul Delean)
To view results for Tuesday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Tuesday Results – Hippodrome 3R.
Félicitations Guy ! Bonne
Félicitations Guy ! Bonne chance pour le championnat national.
André Audette