Before the start of the 2024 harness racing season at Hippodrome 3R (3R), during a joint meeting of representatives from the racetrack, the Association Trot et Amble du Québec (ATAQ) and the Quebec Regional Fair Circuit, it was decided to revive racing for amateur drivers at both 3R and the Regional Fair Circuit.

The idea was well received by everyone. Led by horseman Jean-Francois Reid, a tournament was created for the eight leading amateur drivers and the final of this tournament was scheduled to take place at 3R on Sunday, Oct. 13.

Amateur drivers donate their five per cent earnings to charity. For this special final, the race has been named the Francois Carignan Cup and all of the proceeds from the amateur drivers will go a local Trois-Rivieres organization, Point de Rue.

Carignan, the director of operations at 3R, came to the group explaining that one of his sons suffers from mental health problems and has become homeless over the years, like hundreds, if not thousands, of people in large cities.

Point de Rue has been assisting homeless and socially-excluded people since 1993 and at 11:30 a.m. Sunday in the winner’s circle, a presentation will be made to the group with a cheque for more than $2,300 representing all of the drivers' five per cent commission from driving in amateur races.

The inaugural Francois Carignan Cup will take place in the ninth race pace. The drivers who will be on the track on Sunday for this final: Nancy Auger, Nicolas Dechamplain, Mario Dupont, Nicole Gagné, Daniel Hébert, Mathys Lapointe, Marc Lemay and Roxanne Viau.

Roxanne Viau and Welladvertised are the 5-2 morning line favourite in the Francois Carignan Cup after a strong second place outing last week at 3R, timed in 1:56.3.

Also, on the racetrack Sunday will be a pair of $13,500 Three-Year-Old Open events for Quebec-bred or owned trotters and pacers.

The sixth race co-feature for trotters features 2024 Quebec Champion Cleomax Duharas, one of three fillies taking on colt rivals.

Starting from post two, Cleomax Duharas was unraced at age two and made up for lost time in 2024 with five wins in nine starts, including a lifetime mark of 1:56 at Rideau Carleton Raceway. In her $65,000 Quebec Championship final, the daughter of Muscle Mass was able to come first-over and grind out a one-length triumph. Cleomax Duharas will be driven by Pascal Berube.

Other contenders in the race include the entry of MVPs Daughter (post one) and Last Try (post seven). Both are bred, owned and trained by Jerome Lombart, who will drive MVPs Daughter with Sylvain Lacaille driving Last Try.

Then in the 11th race the sophomore pacers take to the track for their $13,500 bout with three return winners in the field. They are HP Game On, who starts from the rail for driver Antoine Desrochers. Last week, the son of McWicked was able to wire the field at 3R in a lifetime best 1:57.4 mile, his fourth win of the year.

In post three is G A Speed Expert for driver Denis St. Pierre who is coming into the race off a 2:00.4 romp in a qualifying race, and three starts back won at 3R in 1:57.

The third return winner is Dan Speed (post six) with driver Jessica Turenne. Last week Dan Speed turned on the speed in the backstretch en route to a 1:58 triumph, also a lifetime mark.

First race post time is 12:00 noon Sunday. For Sunday's entries, click the following link: Sunday Entries - Hippodrome 3R.

(Quebec Jockey Club)