by the Quebec Jockey Club

Trois-Rivieres, PQ — Management at the Hippodrome 3R has released its new race dates, stakes schedule and special events for the 2017 race season.

There will be 40 live race days and nights at 3R this season and opening day comes early to Trois-Rivieres on Sunday (April 23) and the season goes through to Sunday (Nov. 5).

The highlight of the season will be the annual C$200,000 Prix D’ete for 4-year-old Standardbred pacers on Sunday (Aug. 20). This is the fourth renewal of the most prestigious stakes race in the history of Canada. Last year, Horse of the Year, Wiggle It Jiggleit, was upset by Rockin Ron over a sloppy track in one of the most dramatic races in 3R history.

First nomination payment must be made by March 15, 2017. New for the 2017 Prix D’Ete is that horses that finish sixth through eighth place will be getting a check for C$1,000.

Post time on Sunday’s program has changed to 12:50 p.m. and post time for Tuesday nights live program remains at 7 p.m. The first Tuesday program takes place on May 30.

There will be two major driver’s tournaments this season. The second annual All-Star Tournament takes place on Sunday (June 4) and will again feature world class drivers participating.

Then on a lone special Wednesday night program set for Aug. 16, the Hippodrome 3R will play host to a division of the World Driving Championship. This special competition takes place once every two years and brings together the top drivers from around the world. Featured will be the reigning champion, Dexter Dunn from New Zealand, along with Canada’s representative, Brandon Campbell.

For the first time at 3R, there will also be a special live racing program on Thanksgiving Day, Monday (Oct. 9). Post time has been set for 12:50 p.m.

The Quebec Sire Stakes program for 2,3,4-and 5-year-old pacers and trotters gets underway starting May 14 with the Quebec Series 4-and 5-year-old pacers and May 30 for the trotters. There will be three weeks of preliminary rounds with all the finals to be held on Sunday (June 25).

Both the Breeders Cup Series for 3-year-olds and the Future Stars Series for 2-year-olds are featured throughout July. The finals of all eight divisions, which is annually the richest race program of the season at 3R, is set for Sunday (Sept. 3).

The Lucien Bombardier Stakes for 2-year-old fillies will take place on Sunday, (Sept. 10).

This year 3R will also feature an C$8,000 Open Trot and Pace each week provided the races can be filled.

Further details about the race meet will be forthcoming. For more information and the 2017 stakes calendar, visit www.quebecjockeyclub.com.