The barn of trainer Sebastien Giroux continued its white-hot streak Sunday night at Rideau Carleton Raceway, as three of its four starters made trips to the winner's circle.
Real Courtesy started things off for Giroux's outfit in Race 3. The four-year-old Real Artist gelding left from Post 4 and sat second before earning the lead before the half-mile pole. With John MacDonald calling the shots, Real Courtesy opened up lengths by the three-quarters station and head of the lane. The final margin of victory was five and a half lengths, recorded in 1:57.
Giroux's stock was back at it in Race 5, as six-year-old Astreos mare Ride The Bus battled for a quarter-length victory clocked in 1:56.4. MacDonald was at the controls once again, earning the lead by the half-mile indicator and eventually fending off a determined CR Angel Eyes (driven by Stephane Gendron).
In Race 12, Giroux's pupil Fox Valley Carmelo, a three-year-old Richess Hanover gelding, came from off the pace for MacDonald and tallied a one and a quarter-length victory in 1:58. After having sat seventh through the opening half, Fox Valley Carmelo wore down the pacesetter off a second-over trip. Fending off a pocketsitter, 'Carmelo' rewarded Giroux's operation with its third winner of the night.
In Race 11, Giroux's student Loaded finished second, two and a quarter lengths back in a 1:57.4 mile.
Sebastien Giroux, whose stable has earned $324,915 in '08, has sent out 231 starters this year. His pupils have compiled a record of 60-55-18, good for a seasonal UTR of .417.
To view Rideau's charted lines from the Sunday card, click here.