It was a warm and febrile atmosphere at the Gala des Champions, which took place Saturday night (April 16) at the Hippodrome 3R.

The director of operations, François Carignan, had not neglected anything to make this event a great success.  Celebrations that coincided with the unofficial start of activities for a new harness racing season could not have come at a better time.

Brilliantly hosted by Guy Lafontaine, the evening kept its promises: full house, winners all present, festive dinner and entertainment at the height, as has become a habit at H3R.

No doubt, if there were to be a winner among the winners, Sylvain Tremblay's Écurie Alpha, would win this title: Tremblay was named Trainer of the Year and Breeder of the Year, his groom Emma Bouchard also won in her category, not to mention Stella Alpha's successes in the Coupe de l'Avenir. It was a great year, made of work and perseverance. The Quebec harness racing industry has not often seen such a meteoric progression when we consider that five years ago, Tremblay was still a complete stranger in the industry.

It should also be noted with interest that, in recent years, new figures have managed to impose themselves quickly. In addition to Tremblay, one cannot help but think of a Denitza Petrova or a Cassandra Lecourt. It has become almost common to see successful careers emerge before our eyes.

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Left to right: Driver of the Year Pascal Berube, Groom of the Year Emma Bouchard and Trainer of the Year Sylvain Tremblay.

The winners of the different categories follow.

Driver of the Year: Pascal Bérubé

What a great year Pascal Berube had at H3R. First for victories, first for starts, first for money earned and first for URS. He dominated in all categories. All these statistics are reminiscent of the multiple championships he won over the years at the Hippodrome de Québec and also in Trois-Rivières in the early 2000s.

Trainer of the Year: Sylvain Tremblay

What progress in such a short time! Sylvain Tremblay and the Alpha Team have shone in 2021 at H3R for his number of victories not to mention that his horses surpassed the $100,000 mark. Not so bad for a man who wasn't even into the horses five years ago. His protégés have kept an average of more than .400.

Rookie of the Year: Jessica Turenne

A super-fast progression, to say the least, of Jessica Turenne's debut in the sulky. Serge and Linda's daughter had this innate talent and it showed from her first performances in a race. Fifteen victories were already enough to attract the attention of more and more trainers to entrust her with the reins. A bright future is ahead for Turenne.

Groom of the Year: Emma Bouchard

Still unknown two years ago, this young woman of 19 years is now a well-known figure in the paddock. Alongside Sylvain Tremblay, she takes good care of the horses in the stable on race days and has often been found in the winner's circle. She is one of the essential elements behind the success of the Alpha team.

Breeder of the Year: Sylvain Tremblay

Sylvain Tremblay's success as a breeder are impressive. In three years, the Alpha Stable quickly became synonymous with success and quality. Many breeders, after many years, dream of such success. The Future Cup Series with Stella and quality participants in Platinum, Archimed, Ritchie, Titaniium -- all these names have become symbols of success from the Alpha Stable.

Trotter of the Year: XOXO

Jérôme Lombart's three-year-old, second-hand filly had a full year: seven wins in 16 starts and winnings of more than $27,000. She unfortunately broke stride in the final but that should not make us forget how consistent she was throughout the 2021 campaign. Lombart is a master of bringing the trotters he raises to the track.

Pacer of the Year: DGs De Vito

This little horse has amazed most during the last year at H3R. Never count him out. Raised, trained by the Fortin Surprenant couple, he was driven by their nephew Jonathan Lachance and he won seven times in 17 starts.

Owner of the Year: Jean Fontaine

For more than 50 years, Jean Fontaine has been an owner who has never wavered, and through 2021, the gentleman continued to pay training bills and invest in the purchase of racehorses. The Quebec Jockey Club wanted to pay tribute to someone special in 2021. Fontaine was owner of Bali and Kinnder Grace, among others.

Family of the Year: Gagnon Family

Hippodrome 3R had the opportunity to tell their story with the three Gagnon brothers, Sylvain, Joel and Stéphane, and their sons. How good it is to see all these relatively new figures indulging in the pleasure of racing and training Standardbreds.

(With files from Quebec Jockey Club)