Dispatched as the overwhelming 2-5 favourite, Sports Authority ($2.90) did not let his fans down in the featured Preferred Pace on Wednesday afternoon (June 24) at Hippodrome 3R.
Sports Authority and driver Tyler Jones scooted to the early lead while Lookin Ata Winner (Martin Morel) secured the pocket. Bali (Stephane Brosseau), who was parked early, backed away from the pace after a :27.2 opening quarter.
After a :57.1 half, Jones was still in control of the race with Sports Authority, but G A Speed Sammy and driver Pascal Berube advanced first-over to challenge. The pair raced head and head to three-quarters in 1:25.4.
On the final turn, Sports Authority put away G A Speed Sammy and tore away from the field, winning by 6-1/2 lengths in 1:54.4. G A Speed Sammy held for second, while Appleby Hanover (Richard Simard) finished third.
It was the first win in three starts this year for Sports Authority. The seven-year-old Sportswriter gelding is owned by trainer Cassandra Lecourt.
Both Pascal Berube and Jonathan Lachance had driving doubles on the day.
The eight-race opening day card took place without any spectators allowed at the track. Horsepeople in the paddock followed all safety protocols as mandated by the Québec Racing Commission.
Live racing resumes at the Hippodrome 3R on Sunday (July 28); first post is 1 p.m.
To view Wednesday's complete results, click the following link: Wednesday Results – Hippodrome 3R.
(with files from the Québec Jockey Club)