Driver Stephane Brosseau says he will be ready to defend his Hippodrome 3R driving title when the track opens for its 2018 race season this coming Sunday (April 29).

“It would be great if I can take the title again,” said Brosseau, who hails from L’Assomption, Quebec. “I am already off to a good start this year and am the third leading driver at Rideau Carlton.”

Last year, Brosseau captured his first driving title at Hippodrome 3R. He sealed the deal during the track’s meet-closing program. Brosseau won the 2017 Hippodrome 3R title with 53 wins, five victories more than Stephane Gendron’s 48.

“I am feeling good from this winter,” said Brosseau, 48. “I am driving well, already have ten wins at Rideau, and look forward to 3R opening for the season.”

In only 90 starts this season, Brosseau has recorded 12 wins, nine second-place finishes and 20 thirds.

Brosseau has mixed feelings when it comes to the removal of the ‘passing lane’ at Hippodrome 3R. The passing lane allows a horse sitting in second place in the homestretch to move to the left of the lead horse and have unobstructed clearance to the wire.

Brosseau has stated that he does not like the idea of there not being a passing lane in the homestretch. “It means a big change in driving tactics for the start of the race and especially on the last turn for the finish wire. It could be a little dangerous out there.

“I understand it has gone over OK at Yonkers Raceway,” Brosseau said. “Perhaps it can be better this season, too, at H3R. Maybe they will have some 1 1/16th or longer distance races, too, which would be good.”

What can help Brosseau the most this season at the Hippodrome 3R?

“Maybe just keep LPR (Louis-Philippe Roy) away from H3R this season,” Brosseau laughed. “Then I know I would have a great season. He is doing so well again, leading driver in all of Canada.”

On Saturday morning, eight qualifying races were held at H3R and driver Pascal Berube had the hot hands, as he won four of the races.

“The track has been good the last two Saturdays,” Berube said. “I hope we have plenty of horses in the box for opening day on Sunday and the weather is good.”

There are new post times at the Hippodrome 3R this season. Sunday’s afternoon program will begin at 12:50 p.m. and Tuesday evening racing will start at 6:30 p.m.

(With files from the Quebec Jockey Club)