Trainer Gerard Demers proved to be the epitome of perfection on Friday night at Rideau Carleton Raceway
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Teaming with sulky-sitter Guy Gagnon, Demers completed the early daily double and then notched another victory in the sixth race to give him three wins in three starts during tonight's 15-race program.
In the opener, a $4,200 trot for $6,500 claimers, eight-year-old Conway Hall gelding Cowboys Like Us (2:02.1) used a pocket trip to deliver on his pari-mutuel promise for owner 9174 7998 Quebec Inc. of Blainville, Que. After scoring his second straight victory, Cowboys Like Us was claimed by the G And G Bonadonna Stable of Montreal and 9096 9205 Quebec Inc. of St. Henri De Levis, Que.
Demers’ own four-year-old Camluck mare, Lillys Filly (1:59.3), pulled off an 8-1 upset next, winning by a neck in her $5,200 assignment.
Armbro Acme (2:01.2) also cashed in with a two-hole trip in the $5,800 trot for $8,500 claimers. The nine-year-old son of Balanced Image is owned by Demers as well.
Demers, one of Rideau’s leading trainers, has enjoyed a career-best season winning 87 races and over $579,000 in purses. The 26-year-old resident of Papineauville, Que. has sent out 262 winners lifetime, good for over $1.6 million in earnings.
Gagnon, sitting second in the driver's standings, also won with a pair of his pupils giving him five wins on the card and 239 on the year. Since coming into Gagnon's care last month, E L Gary has won four-in-a-row - tonight in 2:03.1 in the third race. Maxime D H doubled up in Race 13, also in 2:03.1.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click here.