The favourites were foiled in both $15,000 finals of the Les Quebecoises Series for older Quebec-bred trotters Sunday at Hippodrome de Quebec
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In the final for trotting mares, second choice Beer Maggs tucked behind pacesetting favourite Nuriev Dream (Pascal Berube) then used a final quarter of :29.1 to kick past her in the stretch for a two and a half length victory in 2:02.4. Monte Jojo (Sylvain Fontaine) finished almost nine lengths back in third.
Driven by trainer Kevin Maguire, the four-year-old Have A Beer mare has been a force to reckon with for two years at the Hippodrome de Quebec, accumulating about $40,000 at the Quebec City track and winning three previous stake finals for owner Ecurie Maguire of Ste. Marie, Que.
In the final for male trotters, five-year-old Newtown horse Erge Baboche and driver Marc Belanger caught heavy favourite Gogetno (Sylvain Lacaille), who was undefeated in the three preliminary legs of the series, in deep stretch to prevail by a quarter-length in 2:00.4. Xpress Panic (David Pilon) finished over one length behind in third.
Eric Poisson of Becancour, Que. owns, trains and bred Erge Baboche, who'd earned a win, second and third in previous legs and was second choice in the wagering.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Hippodrome Quebec.
(With files from Paul Delean)