Ambitious Mind Triumphs in H3R Feature Race

In the featured 5th race at the Hippodrome 3R on Sunday, September 15, the favoured Ambitious Mind (Big Jim) and driver Francis Picard took command from post three, securing a victory by three-quarters of a length with a lifetime-best pace of 1:55.3.

The determined Dan Speed (Jessica Turenne) challenged early, parking out first-over from the opening quarter and finishing in second place, while D Gs Lorijeanne (Jonathan Lachance), who raced in the pocket, took third.

This marked Ambitious Mind's second win in his last three outings. Trained by Dominique Picard, he is co-owned by Severine Picard, Martin Bilodeau, and Claude Thibault. Bred by Francis Picard, Ambitious Mind paid $3.10 to win.

In the 2nd race, the 15-1 longshot Foiled Dragon (Fear The Dragon), driven by Jocelyn Gendron, ended the three-race winning streak of the favourite, Royel Song (Simon Delisle), with a stunning upset. Starting from post five, Gendron immediately took Foiled Dragon to the front and maintained the lead throughout, finishing in 1:57, three-quarters of a length ahead of Royel Song. Butterfly Catcher (Antoine Desrochers) rounded out the top three.

This victory not only marked a lifetime best, but also represented Foiled Dragon's second win of the year. The three-year-old gelding is trained and co-owned by Marc Lacoursiere and Michel Berthelet, and he paid $32.00 to win.

Sunday also celebrated National Caretaker Appreciation Day at H3R, honouring the caretakers of all racing horses with recognition, complimentary lunch in the paddock, and special gifts for the caretakers of winning horses, who were interviewed in the winner’s circle.

Track Notes: Marie-Claude Auger had a standout day with a driving triple, while Johanne Dechamplain secured a trainer double. Live racing will continue at H3R next Sunday, September 22.