Rideau Carleton Raceway now has five live programs in the books to kick off its 2018 season. On-track attendance has been phenomenal and the pari-mutuel handle has been eye catching. In fact, last Sunday night the total handle was $426,602. That represents the second largest bet in Rideau Carleton’s 58-year history.

Rideau Carleton Raceway’s racing manager, Peter Andrusek, attributes the new-found success to a collaborative effort among the Standardbred Alliance, Rideau’s management, and the National Capital Region Harness Horse Association.

“We have seen enthusiastic participation by horsepeople which has produced quality races featuring full and competitive fields,” noted Andrusek. “The wagering public on-track and fans around North America have shown their appreciation by betting at significantly higher levels we have seen in decades.”

Louis Philippe Roy has been the dominant driver thus far, as he has already piloted 18 winners. On the training side, Yves Tessier of Laval, Quebec has sent out 25 starters which have, in turn, produced 12 winners that have helped his training average rise to a lofty .542. The dominant horse has been Upvote Hanover, owned by Francois Morin of Beauceville, Quebec. The four-year-old gelding is undefeated in five seasonal efforts and is three for three in the Nation’s Capital, as he has bested his ‘Not Listed Preferred’ rivals on every occasion.

Rideau Carleton currently races Sunday evenings. First-race post time is 6:30 p.m.

(National Capital Region Harness Horse Association)