Standardbred Canada (SC) continues its The Road to the Nationals video series with Episode 3, offering fans additional insight and analysis ahead of the 2026 Regional Driving Championships (RDC).

The five-part series offers a preview of each Regional Driving Championship race card from a handicapping perspective, with the final installment highlighting the main event at Clinton Raceway in Clinton, Ont. on July 26, the host of the 2026 National Driving Championship (NDC).

Standardbred Canada’s The Road to the Nationals is produced by its Digital Communications team in collaboration with Industry Development. Video production is led by Jeff Porchak, Director of Digital Communications, and the series is hosted by John Rallis, associate editor of TROT Magazine. The series provides in-depth coverage and insight as competitors prepare for the nationals, featuring analysis, interviews and key storylines from across the sport.

In Episode 3, Rallis previews the upcoming Quebec/Eastern Ontario Regional Driving Championship (QERDC) at Hippodrome 3R with special guest interviews featuring William Roy and Nick Boyd. The episode explores the unique challenges of the championship format, the evolution of the horse draft process and the opportunity to advance to the National Driving Championship.

Making his first appearance in the Regional Driving Championship, Roy enters the event with a straightforward objective.

“To win the competition. That’s my expectation,” Roy said.

The Quebec reinsman discussed his approach to the revised draft format, explaining that while post position will be an important factor in his selections, overall horse quality remains key.

“If the best horse starts from the eight and he has two seconds over the others, I will pick him,” Roy explained. “But if it’s a question of a fifth of a second, maybe I’m going to take the one on the inside.”

Roy also reflected on his lifelong connection to the sport, noting that harness racing has been part of his family for generations.

“I was born and raised in [the Standardbred industry],” he said. “I’m technically the fifth generation doing this.”

With growing opportunities behind the gate in recent years, Roy views the championship as another chance to showcase his skills on a larger stage.

“Just having the chance to have more eyes on me and have better chances with better horses, that’s good for my career,” he said.

The interview also touched on Roy’s hockey background, where he spent 15 years playing the sport before ultimately pursuing harness racing full-time, as well as some of his most memorable victories and the aggressive driving style often required at Hippodrome 3R. 

Roy looks to get Sunday's competition off on the right foot, having the first choice in the first QEORDC leg. He starts from the rail with Godro Bets Off.

"She's a nice, big mare. I drove her a couple of times and have a couple of victories in the past years," Roy told Trot Insider. "She was unlucky this year with the post positions but this Sunday she have the pole position and a nice class for her. I'm pretty confident in my chances with her."

Rallis also sat down with Nick Boyd, who returns for another Regional Driving Championship appearance after coming close to qualifying for the national final on multiple occasions.

Boyd offered an in-depth perspective on the change of the draft process, praising Standardbred Canada’s decision to allow competitors to draft horses after post positions have been assigned.

“I think Standardbred Canada made a very prudent decision to change the format,” Boyd said. “They’ve certainly made a concerted effort to continue to evolve in this process.”

Drawing on his experience as a driver, trainer, and television analyst, Boyd explained how working in broadcasting gave him a greater appreciation for the handicapping side of the sport.

“It allows you to look at it less as a horse person and more as a handicapper,” Boyd said. “It really makes you do your homework.”

Boyd also discussed leaning on both handicappers and local racing knowledge as he prepares for the draft, noting that post positions provide a clearer picture when evaluating potential selections. Reflecting on previous championship experiences, Boyd acknowledged the role luck can play in determining the outcome but emphasized the significance of having another chance to compete for the NDC title.

“I cherish every one I go to,” Boyd said. “There are only 32 drivers that get to compete in this every two years, and it’s hard to take that for granted.”

In Thursday's draft, Boyd had the first pick in Race 4, the second QEORDC leg. He went with post seven starter Kinnder Colosse.

"On paper and replay, he looked impressive both in stature and the way in which he stepped up in his first start from his qualifier," Boyd told Trot Insider after the draft. "His tactical speed off the gate should play well given the unfortunate post draw. Never truly know what to expect from young horses in their early starts, but I was happy to be able to select this colt and feel confident in my chances."

The conversation concluded with Boyd discussing the quick turnaround required to travel from Saturday night racing at Kawartha Downs to Sunday’s championship card at Hippodrome 3R, along with his thoughts on the 2026 Pepsi North America Cup.

For an in-depth preview of the upcoming Quebec/Eastern Ontario Regional Driving Championship action, click the play button on the video below.

Check out Rallis’ Top Picks for Sunday’s race card.

Post time for the first race on Sunday’s card of harness racing is 12 p.m. EDT, with the first QERDC race taking place in Race 3. The QERDC races will continue through Race 10.

The following field of eight drivers is set for the QERDC:

• Marie-Claude Auger
• Pascal Berube
• Nick Boyd
• Stephane Brosseau
• Ryan Guy
• William Roy
• Robert Shepherd
• Denis St. Pierre

Here is the order in which the QERDC drivers selected their horses this past Thursday.

Points for the QERDC will be awarded in each race according to the official order of finish: 15 points (1st), 10 (2nd), 7 (3rd), 5 (4th), 4 (5th), 3 (6th), 2 (7th), 1 (8th)

To view Sunday’s entries, click one of the following links: Hippodrome 3R - Sunday Entries || Program Pages (courtesy TrackIT). And don't miss out on a chance to win a $50 HPIbet credit and 125 TrackIT credits in the QEORDC Online Contest!

(Standardbred Canada Press Release)