Roy coming back to H3R Sunday for whipless racing

Trois-Rivieres, QC — This Sunday (Nov. 25) is closing day for the live harness racing meet at the Hippodrome 3R. It is also the second race program that will feature whipless racing. Canada’s leading money winning and dash leading driver in 2018, Louis Philippe Roy, is also coming back to his home track to drive. He has nine drives in the ten races on the program.

Louis Philippe Roy is coming back to his home track to drive on Sunday. Thephotodesk.ca photo.

“I was pleased when I heard that the Quebec Jockey Club were making efforts to adapt the sport to today’s reality,” Roy said. “And I wanted to support and participate in trying to find the best for all of us.

“In the best of all worlds, our sport wouldn’t require a whip and by the way, the whip wouldn’t be a problem for the image of our sport. On the other hand, it is possible that it is essential to the good functioning of harness racing, and if so, use of the whip should be strictly framed and minimized, in order to please a maximum of possible future fans.”

Other drivers that competed last Sunday without whips had this to say.

Stephane Gendron said, “I’m going to live with it, no problem.”

Pierre Luc Roy explained, “It’s a habit to get used to, not having a whip. Some moments with the mount that you took advantage of using a whip you now must drive it differently. One thing is, we are all equal in every race without a whip.”

Pascal Berube was not positive about the experiment. “Very bad,” Berube said. “All the drivers drove with their lines down and it’s very dangerous.”

Even some race fans chimed in.

André Germain of Trois-Rivières said after the races last Sunday, “I have more than 55 years as a fan and gambler. Races without whips are very good. It brings a different strategy to the races. The drivers must work with the horses to bring out the strength in them. It did affect my wagers negatively because the drivers must adapt to the horses now.”

Paul, from Trois-Riveres said, “I have been following racing all my life, about 60 years now. I am not in favor in racing without whips. I do not want to see anyone hurt a horse, but I know the drivers need to have a whip with them to only stimulate the horse and make it pay attention.”

On a final note, Louis Philip Roy is ready to go whipless on Sunday.

“Like the other drivers that tried it last week,” Roy added, “I will be in a better position after competing on Sunday, to give my opinion and recommendations on what would be the best decision for our sport and its future.”

First race post time Sunday is 12:50 p.m. For more information, visit www.quebecjockeyclub.com.

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