Driver William Roy scored his first pari-mutuel victory Sunday (June 30) at Hippodrome 3R, leading from start to finish with Arsenal De Chafra in the second-race pace.
A resident of Sorel-Tracy, the 22-year-old Roy learned his trade through his father, trainer Guy Roy. Involved in harness racing since birth, Roy said he wanted to be just like his father.
"Growing up, I wanted to become a great trainer like my father," Roy explained. "But he put me in the sulky right away for the experience and I liked it."
After attending the Cegep de Sorel-Tracy College, Roy works during the day as a concierge for the city of Sorel-Tracy. He has two horses with his father and co-owner Francis Prouix.
Starting from post 6 on Sunday with Arsenal De Chafra, Roy easily made the lead and held it for the entire race, winning by 1-1/4 lengths in 2:01.1.
It was not only the first pari-mutuel victory for Roy, but also for Arsenal De Chafra ($6.00). He is a four-year-old gelding by Power Park trained and owned by Francis Prouix.
In the fourth-race Preferred Pace, Saulsbrook Peach and driver Jocelyn Gendron had little trouble handling the field.
Leaving from post 4, Saulsbrook Peach was parked out going to the lead by Outlaw Turn N Burn (Francis Picard) in a :27.4 opening quarter.
Once in command, the rest was easy as Gendron kept Saulsbrook Peach in the lead past the half in :57.3 and the three-quarters in 1:26.4 before coasting home to win by two lengths in 1:55.1. Kinnder Jackson (Pierre-Luc Roy) was a game second with Outlaw Turn N Burn third.
The oldest competitor in the field at age 10, Saulsbrook Peach ($3.20) is sired by Royal Mattjesty, trained by Guy Gagnon, and owned by Catheline Pelletier.
Track Notes: Two-time Quebec-bred champion Stock ($10.70), who is nominated to the Prix D’Ete at H3R on August 18, captured the eighth-race pace in 1:55.3 for driver Pascal Berube. Jocelyn Gendron lead all drivers on Sunday with three winners. Trainer Guy Gagnon sent out two winners from his stable.
Live racing resumes at H3R next Friday evening (July 5) with the third and final preliminary round of the $276,000 Quebec-bred Series for older trotters. First race post time is 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.quebecjockeyclub.com.
To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Hippodrome 3R.
(Quebec Jockey Club)