Gerard Demers wrapped up the 2024 racing season in third place for national training wins, securing an impressive 147 victories. He’s now starting 2025 off strong, already making his mark with a training triple on the Jan. 1 card at The Raceway at Western Fair District.
Travis Henry joined forces with Demers for all three victories, beginning in Race 6 with Gascoigne Sundae ($3). The heavy 1-2 favourite delivered a dominant wire-to-wire performance, with Henry guiding him to fend off late challengers and cross the finish line in 1:58. Gascoigne Sundae, a seven-year-old Hilarious Halo-Gascoigne Dickie gelding, is owned by La Ferme Tag Inc.
Win number two followed swiftly in Race 7 with Hes Got Swagger ($3.50). A bold pocket pull after the first turn proved key, as Henry and Hes Got Swagger pulled away from the field to score a commanding five-length victory in 1:57.3. Hes Got Swagger is a 10-year-old gelding by Vintage Master out of Bubbles Promise. Demers owns the pacer.
The training triple was completed in Race 9 with the pacesetting Fern Hill Breeze ($6.30). Leading from start to finish, Fern Hill Breeze and Henry crossed the wire in 2:00.1, capping off a perfect night for Demers. Fern Hill Breeze, an 11-year-old gelding by Articulator out of Talbot Victoria, is owned by Craig Ellis.
Demers boasts 1,147 lifetime training wins and career earnings of $10,049,087, with his most successful season coming in 2024. He’s off to a strong start in 2025, already amassing $8,050 in earnings, signalling another promising year ahead.
Spooky Lou secured the title of Canadian harness racing's first victor of the 2025 season. Sam Fillion drove the three-year-old grey colt by Dancin Lou out of Paris Freeluck for trainer Thomas Riley, who co-owns with Barry McClennan. Spooky Lou's victory sets the tone for an exciting racing season ahead.
Live harness racing at The Raceway at Western Fair District resumes on Friday, Jan. 3.
To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click the following link: Wednesday Results - Western Fair Raceway.
(Standardbred Canada)