by Greg Gangle, WEG Communications

Toronto, ON — It’s no secret that Sylvain Filion has made a name for himself while driving on the Woodbine Entertainment Group circuit.

The native of Saint-Andre-D’Argenteuil, Quebec, has consecutively earned more than $1 million each year since 1993. Filion, who now resides in Milton, also finished second to Jody Jamieson with 234 victories on the WEG circuit last season and reached a career high with more than $6.4 million in purse earnings.

When reflecting on the 2011 racing season, three horses come to Filion’s mind.

“Prestidigitator, Sparky Mark and Rebeka Bayama were my highlight horses of 2011, but don’t get me wrong, I drove a lot of good horses for good trainers and that really helped out,” he said. “I wouldn’t have had such a great year without the overnight horses, as well.”

Filion hails from one of the most decorated harness racing families in the sport. His father, Yves, trained and drove 1988 North America Cup winner Runnymede Lobell, while his uncle, Herve, is arguably one of the greatest drivers in the game.

Major highlights in Filion’s career include a Breeders Crown triumph in 2001 aboard Goliath Bayama and capturing the 1999 World Driving Championship in Australia.

The reinsman, who currently sits atop the WEG leaderboard with 15 victories this season, says he looks forward to suiting up in his driving colors.

“I don’t just like my job, I love it. I love being here every night. I took a little time off around Christmas, so now, I’m ready to go,” he said. “I have the love of horses. I was raised on a farm and I was brought up with horses, so it’s just natural for me to be around them on a daily basis.”

Filion, who emerged onto the WEG scene in 2008, also enjoys working with his fellow driving colleagues.

“We are at work together pretty much every night, so we all know each other very well,” Filion said. “There is a lot of competition, don’t get me wrong, but there is a great group of guys in the drivers’ room. There are also a lot of young drivers coming in which makes the competition that much tougher.”

Filion has his sights set on winning a particular race in 2012.

“I would like to win the Breeders Crown right here at Woodbine next year, which is a big goal of mine. I won a Breeders Crown before with ‘Goliath,’ but to do it right here at Woodbine would be something special. Also, if I stay healthy, good things are bound to happen.”