Lepage attracts everybody’s attention with one horse stable

Peter Lepage of St-Liguori, Quebec, has been training harness racing horses as a hobby since 1998, but this year has been exceptional. His trotter, Thats Hooligan, boasts a perfect record of three wins out of three races at Hippodrome 3R, propelling Lepage into the spotlight.

At 60, Lepage's passion for racing stems from his family's involvement in the sport. He recalls his father, Henri Lepage, always having racehorses, and though Peter has worked with broodmares and babies over the years, he now focuses solely on his one trotter. Lepage's love for horses and the thrill of competition drive his dedication to the sport.

Thats Hooligan, an eight-year-old gelding, joined Lepage's stable in 2022. Despite winning four times last year and achieving a lifetime mark at 3R of 1:58.4, he has reached new heights this season. Notably, in all three victories, he's taken the challenging route, going first-over from the start and securing impressive wins against tough competition.

The success of Thats Hooligan this season is attributed to teamwork, with Lepage collaborating closely with the vet and blacksmith to address any minor injuries or discomfort from previous seasons. The horse receives ample care, rest, and treats, ensuring he's in peak condition for each race.

Marie-Claude Auger, currently the second leading driver at 3R, has been Lepage's primary driver for Thats Hooligan. Their partnership has proven fruitful, with Lepage praising Auger's skill and commitment to the horse's success.

Looking ahead, Lepage remains optimistic about Thats Hooligan's future races, believing in the horse's ability to continue performing at a high level. Despite facing tough competition, Lepage trusts Thats Hooligan's determination to excel.

In an upcoming race, Thats Hooligan will start from post-eight, with Auger in the sulky, facing formidable opponents like Only For Justice, Vitor, Frido PV, and Muscles Forever. Despite the outside post position, Thats Hooligan is considered the second choice at 3-1 odds, with high expectations for another strong performance.