The track overcame a fire that destroyed its racing paddock in February. And though it spurred a delay to the racing season, Rideau Carleton Raceway is now ready to host its first card of 2023.

Live harness racing was set to return to Ottawa on March 19, but the rebuilding of the race paddock required an additional three weeks of work and pushed the season opener to Sunday, April 2.

Sunday’s card features 10 races with the featured race being the $10,000 Preferred Pace, carded in the fifth race. The field stacked with Rideau stalwarts is led by 9-5 morning line favourite National Debt, who returns east off a three-month campaign at Mohawk capped by a 1:58.2 win in a conditioned pacing event. Pascal Berube will drive the Yves Tessier trainee who will have to overcome the outermost post in the field of five.

Driver Guy Gagnon will try to defend his title after a dominating season in 2022. Gagnon wrapped the 2022 season with 179 wins and $1,034,615 – well clear of the runner-up Pascal Berube with 103 wins and $673,494. Gagnon will also spar for the training title after Mandy Archer claimed it last year with 96 wins over Gagnon’s 74. Though Victor Puddy topped Rideau trainers in earnings last year with $528,173 banked.

With the cancellation of Rideau’s March dates, the track has had approved four additional race dates for April, which will take place on Wednesdays with first-race post time at 7 p.m. (EDT). Racing at Rideau will continue on a two-day schedule into May, but will shift to a Thursday and Sunday schedule through December.

To view Sunday’s entries, click one of the following links: Rideau Carleton Raceway — Sunday Entries || Program Pages (courtesy TrackIT).