After his first extended break since COVID shut down Canadian harness racing in 2021, 2024 O'Brien Award finalist Louis-Philippe Roy returns to Woodbine Mohawk Park on Monday, Jan. 27 for his first pari-mutuel activity of the year.
Last in action on the Boxing Day card at Mohawk on Dec. 26, 2024, Roy returns on Monday with drives in 11 of the 12 dashes slated. He'll look to start a season in 2025 fresh off back-to-back O'Brien Award finalist campaigns in 2023 and 2024 and a career high $8.35 million in purses this past season.
"2024 was another great year," Roy told Trot Insider. "I’ve been lucky to sit behind horses that were competitive on the Grand Circuit which always makes it more exciting. If the previous year I was lucky to get to drive a horse like Tattoo Artist, in 2024 again I was spoiled with a horse like Nijinsky. Driving the whole barn of Luc Blais and Determination on the Grand Circuit also makes my job more than enjoyable, I’m blessed to have all of the opportunities I get, even on a more daily basis at Mohawk."
The native of Mont-Joli, Que. currently based in Campbellville, Ont., Louis-Philippe Roy won a multitude of Grand Circuit events in 2024. The regular pilot of 2024 O'Brien finalist and North America Cup winner Nijinsky, Roy also added notable wins in the Somebeachsomewhere, Camluck Classic, multiple Simcoes, and the USS Indianapolis. He was the regular driver for 2024 O’Brien Award finalists Drawn Impression and Lasting Dream for the aforementioned Blais and Determination.
There was a bit more than just a big year that went into the decision to take a break for the majority of January. Family also played a major role, and with that Roy spent most of that time off back home in Quebec.
"With my girlfriend being on maternity leave and the kids not at school yet, I think it was the best time to do so," noted Roy. "It’s nice to spend time with my family, nice for my parents to see their grandchildren and vice versa. And since we tasted it, it might be something we try to do every year, spending considerable time here in Mont-Joli over the winters."
His time back home didn't go unrecognized. This past Monday, Roy was recognized by the city of Mont-Joli for his driving prowess in a special presentation from municipal council.
"Thanks to his exceptional talent and hard work, Louis-Philippe had the most lucrative season of his brilliant career, amassing an impressive total of $8.3 million in purses and ranking second among harness racing drivers in Canada,” said Mayor Martin Soucy in presenting a motion of congratulations. "Although he now resides in Ontario, Louis-Philippe remains deeply attached to his Mont-Joli roots.
"I am speaking on behalf of the municipal council to express our admiration for his remarkable career and to wish him continued success," concluded Mayor Soucy before presenting Roy with a framed print.
The 2024 O'Brien Award winners will be announced at the O’Brien Awards Gala on Feb. 8 at Meadowvale / Mississauga in Mississauga, Ont. To reserve your tickets for the O'Brien Awards, please fill out the O'Brien Awards ticket reservation form and send it to Jade Regina at [email protected].
(Standardbred Canada)