Duke Lavictoire in command at Rideau

Duke Lavictoire (Royalty For Life) won the Preferred-Handicap at Rideau Carleton Raceway for the first time in two months in a commanding harness racing performance on Thursday (Sep. 28).

Pascal Berube placed the gelding on top, and Duke Lavictoire put up a :27.3 first panel. The gelding edged away to a two-and-a-half length cushion at the half in :57, and the first-over challenge of Raising Rusty (Stephane Pouliot) stalled as they came down the backstretch.

Duke Lavictoire added to his advantage as he sprinted to three-quarters in 1:25.1, and no rival was able to threaten him as he closed out the mile in 1:55.

Black Tie Bash rallied in the last quarter to get up for second. Emma Town Bud (Pierre Bovay) finished third off a pocket ride.

DUKE LAVICTOIRE REPLAY

Duke Lavictoire has now won 21 of his 59 career starts. He was winless in his past six starts but finished no worse than fourth, all of which came in the Preferred-Handicap. Andre Lachance trains the five-year-old, who has now earned $120,741, for Suzanne Lavictoire of Sainte-Anne-de-Prescott.

Guy Gagnon had the best individual performance on the card, steering three from his own stable to victory.

Rideau Carleton Raceway will be back in action on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. EDT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink