The Quebec Jockey Club is hosting the Ben Hur Cup II this coming Sunday (June 23) at Hippodrome 3R, which will see world-class drivers Doug McNair and Louis-Philippe Roy go toe to toe.
The inaugural Ben Hur Cup champion, Sylvain Filion, has offered his comments on the Sunday showdown. Filion won the eight-race competition last year with four wins, but due to prior obligations, could not defend his title this year.
“I am sorry not to be able to attend this year,” Filion explained. “It is a great competition and I hope to get invited back next year. But you do have two top drivers for this year.”
It was not a romp until the last of the eight races last year. Filion had the lead going into the last race and sealed it with a big win.
“What I remember most from last year,” Filion said, “were the race fans. There were so many people that came out for the competition. I got to see so many friends, family and faces from the past and they really loved the tournament, too. It was fun.
“Also, in the last race last year I did not know what kind of filly I was driving,” Filion explained. “She had just won her maiden in 2:04.3, her name was All You Can Dream and she was so perfect, we won by 24 lengths over ‘LPR.’ He needed the win to take the competition, but that did not happen.”
Filion really likes the pairing of Doug McNair and Louis-Philippe Roy for the Ben Hur Cup II.
“These are two well-matched drivers,” Filion said. “They are excellent drivers. Both are about the same size, same age. They have each won big stakes races and have an aggressive style of driving. It will be a really good competition.”
When asked who he thought would win the event on Sunday, Filion was very diplomatic.
“I think they are both excellent drivers,” Filion said. “I would want to see who draws the most power and I will leave it at that.
“The draw means so much,” Filion added. “Last year I had some powerful horses that drew well and made it easy for me to win. Power means everything.”
Sunday’s program will also feature the second round of the Quebec-Bred Series for older pacers.
Post time on Sunday at H3R will be at 1:00 p.m. For a free race program or additional information, visit quebecjockeyclub.com.
(With files from the Quebec Jockey Club)