by Greg Gangle, WEG media

Toronto, ON — The 2010 racing season wrapped up Friday afternoon (Dec. 31) at Woodbine Racetrack with a new and familiar face atop the trainer and driver standings.

Richard Moreau captured his first WEG training title after sending out 102 winners on the WEG circuit this season. He scored a narrow victory over Ben Baillargeon who settled with 99 wins.

The native of Lachenaie, Quebec had 539 starts this year with his troops earning more than C$1.3 million. Known as a claiming conditioner, Moreau has been very consistent over the past decade, posting earnings over C$1 million in each season. Among his top performers this year were Logans Hero, Veal Marsala and Slightly Tipsy.

Last year on the WEG scene, Moreau’s stable sent out 375 starters, tallied 64 wins and earned C$1,010,229 (placing him in fourth in the local standings), his best finish ever at WEG prior to this year.

After a great year, it came as no surprise that driver Randy Waples captured his fourth WEG driving title. The 45-year-old Milton, Ontario resident has posted 279 trips to the winner’s circle this season on the WEG circuit; his closest competitor is Jody Jamieson with 258. The year 2010 also marks the 14th consecutive campaign in which Waples surpassed the C$3 million earnings mark. He is also a finalist for an O’Brien Award as Canada’s top driver, a prize which he won twice before in 1998 and 2001.

“I am a little surprised (to be nominated for an O’Brien Award),” Waples commented. “A couple people mentioned to me towards the end of this year that I had a chance but I didn’t really think I had a shot.”

Over this past season, Waples has captured numerous stakes events including the Breeders Crown, Maple Leaf Trot, Battle of Waterloo, two OSS Super Finals and the Milton Stakes, just to name a few.

“Those were my two big guns (San Pail and Dreamfair Eternal) and I’m just amazed that both trainers (Rod Hughes and Pat Fletcher) could have them so good for so long and have them so good at the right time. It makes your job a lot easier,” Waples commented.

In today’s interview with WEG’s media department, Waples reflects on this past season and offers his thoughts on the coming year. To watch the interview on the Woodbine Entertainment website, click here.