Trainers Yves Tessier and Matthew McDonald found success on the 15-race program at Rideau Carleton on Sunday, Dec. 23 with Tessier taking five races, including the $8,100 Preferred Pace, and McDonald taking three. Top honours on Sunday night, however, would go to driver Pascal Berube who kicked off the holidays with a six-pack of his own.
Tessier-trainee Ufdragons Rocket and Berube ground first over to take the Preferred Pace by three-quarter lengths in 1:56.2.
Away fifth through a :27.3 first quarter, Ufdragons Rocket tipped first over as Stonebridge Beach overtook early-leader Bestofbest Hanover heading to the half. Ufdragons Rocket drew closer to the leader by a :57.4 half and sat a length off the lead by three-quarters in 1:26.4.
Ufdragons Rocket overtook Stonebridge Beach entering the stretch. Favourite Doctor Royal, carried into contention second over, kicked wide and lunged towards the front heading to the wire but only cut narrowly on the winner's margin. Bestofbest Hanover took third.
A nine-year-old gelding by Dragon Again, Ufdragons Rocket won his 12th race from 37 starts and his 54th from 260 overall, earning $422,273. Berube drove the $15.90 winner for owner Francois Morin.
The win was one of six on the 15-race card for Pascal Berube, who also found his way to the winner's circle with Tessier trainees Talbotcreek Suzie ($6.30) in Race Four, Macktwowilldew ($5.60) in Race Seven and Mister Big Top ($6.00) in Race Eleven. Berube was also successful with Destiny Cruise ($7.20) in the 13th race before completing the six-bagger in the penultimate dash with Dry Creek Lis ($5.10).
The only win for Tessier not engineered by Berube came courtesy Stephane Brosseau and Santanna Tony ($4.10) in Race Two.
Trainer Matthew McDonald sent Sportsillustrator ($38.00), Gringo Star ($5.70) and Rose Run Ranger ($9.00) to victories on the card.
Owned, trained and driven by Marie Claude Auger, Torches Angel pulled a 21-1 upset in the $8,100 Preferred Trot. The eight-year-old Angus Hall mare sat fifth to a :28.1 quarter set by Lmc Mass Gem, Jetcrest and Pasadena Star fanned three wide contesting for the lead. Lmc Mass Gem cleared to control and slowed the tempo to a :58.3 half while Flying Isa N, from sixth, brushed first over and took command heading to the backstretch.
Torches Angel, shuffled to eighth, caught cover as Flying Isa N trotted to three-quarters in 1:27.3. Auger angled Torches Angel off cover moving towards the stretch and rushed towards the lead to win by a length and a half at the wire in 1:58.1. Lmc Mass Gem took second from Pasadena Star third.
Winning her ninth race from 35 starts this season and her 46th from 225 overall, Torches Angel also competes for owner 2273824146. Having $247,728 earned, she paid $44.50 to win.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway.