Simard doubles for 6,000th career win

Harness racing driver Richard Simard picked up his first two wins of the season and reached the 6,000-victory milestone on Thursday (Aug. 11) at Rideau Carleton Raceway.

Simard put his trainee, Red Cape Party (Up The Credit) on top from the start and guided him home for a maiden-breaking victory and Simard’s 5,999th. After 43 starts, it was his first trip to the winner’s circle this year. Red Cape Party, owned by Krystel Simard of Guelph, was previously winless in 12 tries.

For his milestone win, Simard picked up the lines of De Chairman (Sunshine Beach) for the first time. The reinsman promptly put the five-year-old gelding on top and soared home to a three-length score in 1:54.

Simard was greeted with a commemorative board in the winner’s circle and doused with water by fellow driver Pascal Berube in the paddock.

DE CHAIRMAN / SIMARD MILESTONE REPLAY

Simard, nicknamed the Black Cat, began driving in 1982 and made more than 1,000 starts in all but one year from 1987-2008. Overall, the 62-year-old has made 39,958 starts to date and has driven his charges to $33,015,332 in earnings.

While Simard hit 6,000, trainer Emily Veinot earned her first career victory with De Chairman’s win. Simard thanked her for the drive on Facebook and shared his appreciation for all owners and trainers that helped him in his career.

For complete race results, click here.

by Nicholas Barnsdale, for Harnesslink