Strange but true: the Quebec breeding industry, almost extinguished five years ago with the demise of racetrack operator Attractions Hippiques, has just had one of the most impressive weekends in its history.
Quebec-bred trotters and pacers excelled at tracks on both sides of the border.
Four-year-old Justice Hall gelding Intimidate established a new track record at Vernon Downs with a brilliant 1:51 mile in the $214,000 Credit Winner trot.
At Yonkers, five-year-old Shanghai Phil gelding China Grill captured the $37,000 open pace on Saturday with a career-best mile of 1:51.3.
Ferrari Sena, a five-year-old Bolero Master mare, took a new mark of 1:50.1 winning the $30,000 Fillies & Mares Preferred pace Friday at Mohawk Racetrack.
Speculation, a seven-year-old by Pistols N Spurs, won Saturday’s $16,000 open handicap trot at Tioga Downs in 1:55.1.
And at Hippodrome 3R, 3-year-old Shanghai Phil gelding Duc Dorleans paced the fastest mile ever at the half-mile track in Trois-Rivieres, 1:52.4, in a $50,000 series final on Sunday.
“Maybe it’s something about the way they’re taken care of when they’re younger. There are good horsemen in Quebec,” noted Judy Farrow, breeder and co-owner of Intimidate.
(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Paul Delean)
It is impressive to see both
It is impressive to see both trotters and pacers making their mark and showing that Quebec breeding is still going strong. Horses like Intimidate and Duc Dorleans are also hometown heroes for those of us who regularly attend Rideau Carleton Raceway. Félicitations à tous!