from the Quebec Jockey Club

Trois-Rivieres, QC — Harness racing driver Stephane Brosseau says he is ready to defend his driving title when the Hippodrome 3R opens for the 2018 race season on Sunday (April 29).

“It would be great if I can take the title again,” said Brosseau, who hails from L’Assomption, Quebec. “I am already off to a good start this year and am the third leading driver at Rideau Carleton.”

Last year Brosseau, 48, captured his first driving title at the Hippodrome 3R and sealed the deal on closing day of the 2017 race card, pulling away from rival Stephane Gendron with two wins. Brosseau won the title with 53 wins to Gendron’s 48 victories.

“I am feeling good from this winter,” Brosseau said. “I am driving well, already have 10 wins at Rideau and look forward to 3R opening for the season.”

In only 90 starts this year, Brosseau has 12 wins, nine seconds and 20 third-place finishes.

As for the new change this season of removing the “passing lane” at the Hippodrome 3R, Brosseau has mixed feelings. The passing lane allows a horse sitting in second place to move to the left of the lead horse and have unobstructed clearance down the stretch.

“I do not think I like not having the passing lane,” Brosseau explained. “It means a big change in driving tactics for the start of the race and especially on the last turn for the finish wire. It could be a little dangerous out there.

“I understand it has gone over OK at Yonkers Raceway. Perhaps it can be better this season too at H3R. Maybe they will have some 1-1/16th or longer distance races too, which would be good.”

What can help Brosseau the most this season at the Hippodrome 3R?

“Maybe just keep LPR (Louis-Philippe Roy) away from H3R this season,” Brosseau laughed. “Then I know I would have a great season. He is doing so well again, leading driver in all of Canada.”

On this past Saturday morning, eight qualifying races were held at H3R and driver Pascal Berube had the hot hands, winning four of the races.

“The track has been good the last two Saturdays,” Berube said. “I hope we have plenty of horses in the box for opening day on Sunday and the weather is good.”

There are new post times at the Hippodrome 3R this season. Sunday’s afternoon program will begin at 12:50 p.m. and the Tuesday evening racing will start at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.quebecjockeyclub.com.