Tempo-setter Duke Lavictoire held off a blanket finish, where the field of seven were separated by less than two lengths, to win the $10,500 Preferred Handicap Trot at Rideau Carleton Raceway on Thursday night (Sept. 8).

Driver Jacques Beaudoin bolted the four-year-old Royalty For Life gelding to the point from post six with Beyond Kronos in the pocket. He led through a :28.2 first quarter and sneaked a :58 half, prompting odds-on favourite Black Tie Bash to pull first over and charge for the lead. Black Tie Bash marched to within a length of the lead to three-quarters in 1:26.3 and the front started to sputter for home. Duke Lavictoire clung to the lead as a wall encased the top two with the finish looming. He dug in to the finish to hold a head in front of late-charging Crossfit and Raising Rusty, respectively. 

Owned by Suzanne Lavictoire, Duke Lavictoire won his 14th race from 28 starts and has now earned $65,530. Andre Lachance trains the $20 winner.

To view the Thursday harness racing results, click the following link: Thursday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.