Inspired by the Royal presence in Quebec City, the four-year-old and five-year-old horses took up the challenge with enthusiasm Sunday afternoon (July 3) at Hippodrome de Quebec in the Quebec-bred series eliminations.

The four-year-old pacer Beach Runner A M was the highlight of the day when he won in gate-to-wire style in 1:55.4. The clocking is the seasonal track record at the Quebec oval.

Driven by Mario Charron, the son of Beach Of Faith cut the fractions in :28.1, :57.3 and 1:26.2 in front of Pieraz and Shanghai Tiger. The victory was the pacer's fourth win this season. Bred by his owner and trainer, Alain Martin of Trois-Rivieres, Beach Runner A M will be the focus of attention next week in the series final. The winners of the other divisions in the category were Canbec Hooligan (1:58.1) and Whitemountainpower (1:57.2).

In the pacing mares divisions, Sans Frontiere did not disappoint by overcoming her rivals in the final half before stopping the clock in 1:57.1 with Marie-Claude Auger at the controls. Petite Courageuse (2:00.1) also experienced the rush of victory and she will compete in the final against Sans Frontiere, Zoes Turn, Belle Du Printemps, Xcel Panic, Godiva Beachgirl, Maiden Heaven and Lizo Maggs.

In other action, there was no way to catch trotter First Aqua in a 2:00.3 mile. The Pierre Bovay pupil gobbled up her rivals in the final half to pull away for an easy 11-length win. The other division was won by Herbie Drummond, who defeated Mini Mel in 2:02.2.

Finally, Special Diva Am was impressive with a new lifetime mark of 2:02 and her second win in a row for Mario Charron, who has saluted the judges four times in the afternoon.

Four finals, for $15,000 each, are scheduled for Hippodrome de Quebec's next program of live racing (Sunday, July 10). The card will begin at 1:00 p.m.

(Quebec Jockey Club)