For the sixth consecutive year, Standardbred Canada is urging all racetracks in Canada to recognize harness racing's caretakers for one day. To dedicate to them a day during which their merits are recognized and magnified.
At Hippodrome 3R, this day will take place on Sunday, Sept. 3 with first race post time at 12 noon.
For the occasion, François Carignan, the director of operations at 3R, joins the leaders of ATAQ (Association Trot & Pace of Quebec) to make this day a success.
As in many fields, many sports, there are the athletes we see, the athletes whose prowess is praised, the heroes who amaze the gallery and get the headlines. In our sport, these stars are first and foremost the horses, the drivers, the trainers and owners.
It's about them that we talk about, it's their records that we highlight and their brilliance that we admire. But it is in the shade, those who many do not speak of and yet play an essential, primordial role. The people, men and women who are, on race days, those who prepare the scene, who pamper the horses that the trainers will see at work. No offense to the stars, these caretakers are clearly the people closest to the horses. Those who can tell you about their different characters, their different habits, their fears sometimes.
A caretaker is someone who several hours before the race, takes care of preparing the equipment and the horse. Each day they have their specific roles and must be well adjusted, otherwise the horse will not perform at its best. Many small details they pay attention to and work with their trainers to hopefully have their horses ready for success. Caretakers play such an important role for every stable. All this is done with love, attention to detail and a reassuring presence.
On Sunday, track announcer Guy Lafontaine will present the caretaker in addition to the owner, the driver and the trainer. It has been the case for a few years at 3R to name the caretaker of the winner after the race, but on this Sunday, they will all be entitled to this presentation before the race in the post parade.
At the race paddock, in collaboration with the ATAQ, there will be meals offered to all these people who are so important to the running of a racing program. On behalf of the leaders of the Quebec Jockey Club, the employees of the racetrack, congratulations to all the caretakers. On Sunday, they will come out of the shadows and their dedication will be recognized.
There are 10 races on the Sunday card at 3R and featured are two Preferred Handicap Paces, one for the fillies and mares and one for the horses.
The fifth race for the fillies and mares is spotlighted by three-year-old standouts, Ladycorona, Pocahontas Du Lac and YS Sensationalcity.
All three fillies have won divisions of the Breeders Trophy Series and next week they will all battle again in their $65,000 final on Super Sunday (Sept. 10) at 3R.
Ladycorona (post two) is the standout as she goes for her sixth straight win for driver Pascal Berube and trainer Yves Tessier. Her last start saw her romp in the series by 10-1/2 lengths in 1:55.4. She won all three of her starts in the series. Ladycorona was bred and is owned by Sotirios Anastasopoulos of Sainte-Theresa, Que.
Super Sunday will feature eight finals for two- and three-year-old trotters and pacers with $500,000 in total purses on the afternoon. The draw of positions for this super day will be in the presence of the public, next Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 2 p.m. on the second floor of the stage of the racecourse. It will be broadcast live on the Hippodrome 3R Facebook page.
For this Sunday, post time is 12 noon for the 10-race card. For a free race program, visit hippodrome3r.ca. To view the entries for Sunday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Sunday Entries - Hippodrome 3R.
(Quebec Jockey Club)