On a night where Guy Gagnon drove five winners—including four from his own stable—Gagnon suffered defeat to 2-5 favourite National Debt in the Sunday, Oct. 13 feature at Rideau Carleton Raceway: a $8,600 Preferred Handicap Pace.

National Debt, assigned post 7, floated into fourth while Gagnon grabbed command with Chaleurs Ad heading to a :27.2 first quarter. Driver Pascal Berube soon angled National Debt off the pegs passing a :56.3 half and marched towards Chaleurs Ad to match strides past three-quarters in 1:24.3. Chaleurs Ad clung to control rounding the final turn but gave way through the stretch as National Debt kicked to a half-length victory in a 1:53.1 mile over pocket-sitter The Roadies.

An eight-year-old stallion by Allamerican Native, National Debt won his 13th race from 26 starts this season and his 52nd from 161 overall, earning $524,939. Yves Tessier conditions the $2.70 winner for owner Francois Morin.

While settling for third in the feature, Gagnon visited the winner’s circle on five other occasions on the 10-race card. He steered his trainees Air Glider ($3.60), Cams Lucky Sam ($4.60), Saulsbrook Peach ($3.30) and Oakrock Eldorado ($5.90) to wire to wire victories while also piloting Jamie Copley trainee Avatar J ($2.90) to a pocket-popping win.

To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.