Driver Pascal Berube scored a driving double on the opening day of the 2020 harness racing season at Hippodrome 3R, and he hopes this is a sign of a good racing season to come.

Berube, along with his wife, trainer Isabelle Binet, has a small but powerful stable for the summer/fall race meet. They call themselves Team B.

“Of course, we would like to have some more horses to train,” Berube explained. “But I am happy with the five horses we currently have. They are fit and ready to go.”

Currently Team B has five racehorses in their stable: Holiday Party, Lucky Promesses, Stock, Fortune Fella and Uptown Woman. None of the horses are two-year-olds.

On opening day Wednesday, Berube won with Stock, who was very impressive at odds of 7-1, leading from start to finish in 1:58.2.

This Sunday (1:00 p.m. first post), Team B has four horses entered. Uptown Woman is one of the favourites in the Mares Preferred Pace. Stock is also back in-to-go, while former Quebec-Bred Champion Holiday Party and Lucky Promesses are featured in the Preferred Trot for Team B. Berube will drive Holiday Party and Samuel Fillion will drive stablemate Lucky Promesses.

“I am fortunate to get some good catch-drives,” said Berube. “I must thank the owners and trainers that have faith in me to drive their horses. I am kept busy driving at both 3R and at Rideau Carleton Raceway.”

Berube has a catch-drive in the Preferred Pace, carded as the sixth race, with G A Speed Sammy for trainer Yves Tessier. They take on top local pacers Outlaw Turn N Burn (Post 1), Hooter Shooter (Post 5) and Matts Tuition (Post 4). He will also drive Gucci Eyepatch (Race 1), and Heaven For Sure (Race 4).

As for competing at the races this past Wednesday without any spectators to cheer the horses and drivers on, it was same as usual for Berube.

“It is just like racing in qualifiers but with purses,” Berube said. “I feel sorry for the owners who like to be at the track to watch their horses race live from the grandstand. For the driver, it’s the same job.”

“We did order customized masks for us to wear during the pandemic,” Berube added. “They were made by Manon Lemelin and look very cool.”

Look for the Blue, Black and White Team B masks this season at 3R as they may be in the winner’s circle a lot.

For a free Sunday race program, visit hippodrome3r.ca. To view the entries for Sunday's card, click the following link: Sunday Entries - Hippodrome 3R.

(with files from the Quebec Jockey Club)