Gagnon, Archer Dominate Rideau Finale

The 2024 season at Rideau Carleton Raceway concluded on Sunday, December 15, with driver Guy Gagnon and trainer Mandy Archer solidifying their standout campaigns. Gagnon delivered an impressive performance, securing four wins during the closing card, including two victories with horses he trained. 

His winning streak began in Race 7 with Ciel Bleu, followed by a notable win in Race 9 aboard Beach Journey, an eight-year-old mare, achieving her 50th career victory. Gagnon also triumphed in Race 10 with Midnight Mood, trained by Jamie Johnston, and capped off the night with a Race 11 victory aboard Woodmere Gaelic for trainer Steve Belisle. Gagnon ended the season with 174 wins from 599 starts, bolstered by 121 second-place and 82 third-place finishes. 

Trainer Mandy Archer added to her successful year in Race 6 with That'll Be Tiger, driven by Robert Shepherd. The six-year-old pacer, owned by Daniel Sarafian, showcased Archer’s winning touch. Archer closed her season as the leading trainer with 99 wins, 64 seconds, and 56 third-place finishes from 385 starts. 

The evening also featured G A Speed Expert extending his winning streak to six, with Robert Shepherd driving the three-year-old pacer, trained by David Pilon for owner Alain Carrier. This marked the eighth win in 16 starts for the standout horse. 

The finale celebrated the accomplishments of the season’s leading driver and trainer while highlighting remarkable equine performances.