While 20-year-old Jessica Turenne works towards making a name for herself in the harness racing industry with her own racehorse entered Sunday at Hippodrome 3R, the track will honour her late father with a race named in his memory during its All-Star Drivers Tournament.
This Sunday, June 5 will mark the 15th anniversary of the racing accident that claimed the life of Quebec horseman Serge Turenne and Hippodrome 3R has named the eighth race in his honour amidst the tournament.
“It’s a day that’s still hard for us, but I’m proud and want to continue in his path," Jessica Turenne was quoted as saying in a Montreal Gazette article by Paul Delean.
Currently a groom for Yves Tessier, Turenne is passionate about the sport and following in her father's footsteps to became a professional trainer and driver. She purchased her first racehorse named Shaelas Girl two years ago and that pacing mare -- who has provided her with her first training and fair driving wins -- will be competing two races prior to the memorial event on Sunday, with Quebec native Sylvain Filion listed to drive as part of the All-Stars Tournament.
To read the Montreal Gazette article in its entirety, click here.
(With files from the Montreal Gazette)