The Quebec Jockey Club announced on Thursday, Jan. 25 that its signature race, the Prix d’Été, will return at the Hippodrome 3R for the 2024 race season, with a purse of $200,000 for four-year-old pacers, plus a $50,000 consolation race if 14 or more horses enter.

The race has not been held since 2019 due to COVID-19 restrictions followed by reductions in stakes events. The race is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024.

During the last edition of the Prix d’Été at 3R, This Is The Plan and driver Daniel Dube set the and all-age track record and what was then a Canadian record on a half-mile track with a 1:49.1 triumph on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019.

The Prix d’Été was one of the most prestigious races in all of Canada from 1966 through 1992. World champions Bret Hanover, Albatross, Niatross, Hot Hitter, Cam Fella, On The Road Again, Ralph Hanover, Matts Scooter and a host of other top pacers won the Prix d’Été when it was an open event held primarily at Blue Bonnets Raceway in Montreal, Que.

To be eligible to the race, owners and trainers must make the first stakes payment by March 15, 2024. In order for the race to take place, there will have to be six different entries, a very important specification since 3R has seen in past years multiple entries that unfortunately reduce the wagering.

The QJC stated in a press release that it will be interesting to examine potential candidates for this prestigious race as several of the big names in the three-year-old ranks have been retired from stud in recent months, which will open up the race to more contenders and provide another excellent show.

It should also be noted that mares can participate. There has never been a mare in the Prix d’Été.

Stakes conditions for the Prix d’Été can be viewed by clicking here.

(With files from Quebec Jockey Club)