Andre Lachance trainee Duke Lavictoire landed the top-class spoils two weeks ago at Rideau Carleton Raceway. Following a defeat in the feature last week, Duke Lavictoire came back to the winner’s circle of the $10,500 Preferred Handicap Trot with a 1:56 effort on Sunday night (Dec. 4).
Driver Pascal Berube bolted the four-year-old Royalty For Life gelding for the lead to a :27 first quarter but yielded command when Seeyou Men circled to the top with a lap remaining. Crossfit, parked from the start, marched forward to press the pacesetter through a :57.3 half and three-quarters in 1:26 and stayed alongside all through the final turn. Seeyou Men kept Crossfit at bay through the stretch but failed to withstand the open-stretch fire from Duke Lavictoire, who grabbed a three-quarter length win. Crossfit settled for third and Cold Rage rallied for fourth.
Duke Lavictoire competes for owner Suzanne Lavictoire. He won his 17th race from 38 starts, has now earned $82,615 and paid $15.80 to win.
Trainer Guy Gagnon scored three wins on the Sunday card. His victories came with Samsunofabeach (1:55.1 winning mile, $4.50 to win), Make It Come True (1:53.1, $16) and Moscow Moon (1:56.2, $11.80).
To view Sunday’s harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results – Rideau Carleton Raceway.