William Roy, 22, scores first pari-mutuel victory

Trois-Rivieres, QC – Harness racing driver William Roy, age 22, scored his first pari-mutuel victory Sunday at the Hippodrome 3R, leading from start to finish with Arsenal De Chafra in the second race pace.

A resident of Sorel-Tracy, Roy learned his trade through his father, trainer Guy Roy. Involved in harness racing since birth, Roy said he wanted to be just like his father.

"Growing up I wanted to become a great trainer like my father," Roy explained. "But he put me in the sulky right away for the experience and I liked it."

After attending the Cegep de Sorel-Tracy College, Roy works during the day as a concierge for the city of Sorel-Tracy. He has two horses with his father and co-owner Francis Prouix.

Starting from post six on Sunday with Arsenal De Chafra, Roy left from post six, easily made the lead and held it the entire one-mile race, winning by one and one-quarter lengths in 2:01.1.

It was not only the first pari-mutuel victory for Roy, but also for Arsenal De Chafra. He is a four-year-old gelding by Power Park, trained and owned by Francis Prouix of Saint Pie-De-Guire and paid $6.00 to win.

In the fourth race Preferred Pace, it was Saulsbrook Peach and driver Jocelyn Gendron having little trouble handling the field.

Leaving from post four, Saulsbrook Peach was parked out going to the lead by Outlaw Turn N Burn (Francis Picard) in a :27.4 opening quarter mile.

Once in command, the rest was easy as Gendron kept Saulsbrook Peach in the lead past the half mile in :57.3, the three-quarters in 1:26.4 before coasting home to win by two lengths in 1:55.1. Kinnder Jackson (Pierre Luc Roy) was a game second with Outlaw Turn N Burn third.

The oldest competitor in the field at age 10, Saulsbrook Peach is sired by Royal Mattjesty, trained by Guy Gagnon, owned by Catheline Pelletier of Mirabel and paid $3.20 to win.

Track Notes: Two-time Quebec-Bred Champion, Stock), who is nominated to the $200,000C Prix D'Ete at H3R on Sunday, August 18, captured the 8th race pace in 1:55.3 for driver Pascal Berube, paying $10.70 to win. Jocelyn Gendron lead all drivers on Sunday with three winners. Trainer Guy Gagnon sent out two winners from his stable. Live racing resumes at H3R next Friday evening with the third and final preliminary round of the $276,000 Quebec-Bred Series for four-year-old and older trotters. First race post time at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit www.quebecjockeyclub.com.

From the Quebec Jockey Club