Sent off at odds of 12-1, Orlys Pride and driver Jocelyn Gendron led from start to finish to win the $6,500 third preliminary round of the Quebec-Bred Series for older trotters that was marred by an accident on Friday, June 30 at Hippodrome 3R.
At the start of the ninth race feature, the 3-5 favourite, Frido PV, became rough-gaited. Driver Jonathan Lachance tried to get his horse back on gait, backed off the starting gate and then locked wheels with the second-tier horse, Royalty Beer, unseating his driver, Kevin Maguire.
The Quebec Jockey Club reported that Maguire was able to move off the track after the accident and was transported by ambulance to the hospital. His condition was not yet known at press time.
As the race proceeded with Royalty Beer running loose outside of the field, Orlys Pride and Gendron took control without incident from post six and led the way with Sammy Justice and Francis Picard following in second past the first quarter in :30. Orlys Pride continued to lead the field to the half-mile in 1:00.4 and three-quarters in 1:30.1 en route to the 2-1/4-length victory in 2:00. Stella Alpha and driver Jimmy Gagnon got around the the loose horse down the backside and finished second over Sammy Justice.
Orlys Pride, who also won an opening leg of the series and was runner-up in round two, is now two-for-four this season. The seven-year-old Archangel gelding is trained by Paulo Jutras for Orlando Stables Inc. of Lasalle, Que. He paid $27.80 to win.
The $30,000 final of the Quebec-Bred Series for the top eight point-earners will take place at 3R on Sunday, July 9.
Both Jocelyn Gendron and Francis Picard scored driving doubles on Friday.
Live harness racing resumes Sunday at 12 noon at 3R with the final preliminary round of the Quebec-Bred Series for older pacers headlining the card. For a free race program for Sunday, visit hippodrome3r.ca.
To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Hippodrome 3R.
(With files from Quebec Jockey Club)