Canadian Gingras driving horses in Pacing Derby, Maple Leaf Trot events
Yannick Gingras is looking forward to Saturday night at Woodbine Mohawk Park for two important reasons.
The driver from Sorel, Que., will have horses in the co-main events on the $1.7-million card. Gingras will lead heralded Lazarus into the $600,000 Canadian Pacing Derby, before trying to help Hannelore Hanover, North America’s top horse last year, defend her title in the $651,000 Maple Leaf Trot.
“They’re both great horses,” Gingras said. “Hannelore Hanover wasn’t quite herself last week (third in elimination race), actually her last couple of starts, but (trainer) Ron Burke seems to think she’s much better this week.
“We didn’t win the elimination, but I think she’ll be one of the favourites still. I definitely didn’t lose faith in her.”