The 2024 harness racing season at Hippodrome 3R (H3R) concluded on Sunday, November 3, with a thrilling 12-race card featuring the $6,500 Preferred Pace and a $10,000 Pace for Quebec-owned mares.
In the 5th race Preferred Pace, race favourite Light The Torch, driven by Pascal Berube, took an early lead and maintained it comfortably to win by two and a half lengths in 1:55. The four-year-old gelding, trained and co-owned by Marc-Andre Simoneau, secured his ninth victory of the season.
The 7th race, a $10,000 event for Quebec-owned pacing mares, saw Sauble Amber dominate the field. Guided by Berube, she led from start to finish, winning by an impressive 15 lengths in 1:55.1. This marked her second consecutive win and twelfth of the season for trainer-owner Michel Lagace.
Berube celebrated his fifth consecutive driving title at H3R, ending the season with 76 wins, while Marc-Andre Simoneau clinched his first training title with 30 wins.
The meet also included special retirements for three veteran pacers: PL Gyro, Windsun Cheyenne, and SOS Mach Xtreme. Each horse made a final appearance in the winner’s circle, received a monogrammed blanket, and had their shoes ceremoniously removed.
With the 2024 meet wrapped up, H3R will continue to offer simulcasting daily from tracks across North America.