All the talk not only in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec at the Hippodrome 3R but also throughout North America is the revival of the great stakes race, the Prix D’Ete.
And the horsemen in and around the track are very excited about the aspect of the best four-year-old pacers in North America coming to their area to race in the $200,000 final and $50,000 consolation races on Sunday, September 21, 2014.
Perhaps the most excited about the big race is Jean Tourigny, who owns the Tourmana Training Center just ten miles from the Hippodrome 3R racetrack. Tourigny is so excited that he's making a special offer to the trainers of every horse that enters the finals.
“We will have 20 to 25 stalls available and we will provide boarding for every horse that enters the Prix D’Ete,” Jean Tourigny said. “Our accommodations comprises of stalls on sawdust, hay and feed, if necessary, a great half mile training track and plenty of outdoor paddocks.”
Tourigny is making this offer on a basis of voluntary contributions and will not be charging trainers a bill for their stay at their facility.
“We are only sorry that we do not have any living arrangements for the trainers and grooms,” Jean Tourigny said. “But there is a motel complex just a mile or so down the road from the Tourmana Training Center.”
The Tourmana Training Center is located in Becancour, Quebec, on the south shore of Trois-Rivieres alongside Highway 55.
“Jean Tourigny and his father Leo are very passionate supporters of the Quebec Jockey Club and of the return of the Prix D’Ete,” said Quebec Jockey Club General Manager, Vincent Trudel. “The QJC will also assist them in making their facility a home away from home for the horses, trainers and caretakers that will be coming here to race. It is wonderful to have so many horsemen and women coming forward to help us bring this great race back.”
Horsemen that have a four-year-old pacer they wish to nomination to the Prix D’Ete are reminded that there are no supplemental payments allowed. They must make the first nomination payment for the Prix D’Ete to be eligible and the nomination must be postmarked by March 15, 2014. For the conditions of the race and a Prix D’Ete nomination form, visit the QJC website.
(Quebec Jockey Club)