Closing day for the 2014 harness racing meet at the Hippodrome 3R saw the unbeaten Boogie Panic post his eighth win this year in the final race of the program.

Driven by Denis St. Pierre, it was another day of excellence as he scored four winners on the afternoon with Boogie Panic capping the card.

Allowing Hironexpress (Steeven Genois) to take the early lead, St. Pierre sent Boogie Panic to the top after the opening quarter mile and then held the field at bay as they cut fractions of :57.3 and 1:27 before pulling away in the stretch to win by three and three-quarter lengths in 1:58. April Bandit (Marie Auger) was second with Draft Hanover (Pascal Berube) third.

Unraced at age two, Boogie Panic was the winningest horse at Hippodrome 3R this season with his eight straight wins as he only raced at 3R. Trained by Francis Richard for owner/breeder Brian Paquet of Quebec, QC, Boogie Panic, who is sired by Major In Art, paid just $2.60 to win.

Driver Denis St. Pierre took top honours as the meet's leading driver. St. Pierre blew away the competition this season, nearly doubling his win total over his nearest competitor. He had 67 wins, 33 wins more than Stephane Brosseau in second place with 34 wins. His Universal Driving Rating (UDRS) was a very impressive .465.

The training title went to Eric Valiquette, with 22 wins from the 70 horses he sent behind the gate during the meet. He also closes the season with an excellent UTR average of .460. Finishing in second was Daniel Martin with 16 wins.

The last day of the live race meet was also the last race in his career for Robert R Robert. The 14-year-old pacer was officially retired after he competed in the sixth race pace, where he used good live cover for driver Louis Roy and finished third in his last appearance.

After the race Robert R Robert was brought back to the winner’s circle by co-owner/trainer Nathalie Mignault and Eric Dechamplain for a special blanket presentation. Racing his entire career in Canada, the son of Albert Albert started in 276 races with 44 wins and a record of 1:52.2. He will now enjoy being a riding horse on his owner’s farm.

Hippodrome 3R will be open every day and night for simulcasting throughout the winter months.

For results and payouts from Sunday's meet-closing card at Hippodrome 3R, click the following link: Sunday Results - Hippodrome 3R.

(with files from QJC)