Todd Baptiste sets track record in second CPCA Finals victory

Last years’ High Point leader from Red Pheasant Cree Nation coming into the dash seeded fourth this time, but a switch to an older group of his horses proved wise as he hugged the inside lane.

“We were left with the one barrel and I was pretty pleased with that, definitely needed that to help me beat these guys,” Baptise said. “The race was very tight and we really had to drive.”

The 2022 champ said he relished winning this competition, after having what he called a “roller coaster season,” filled with injuries, illnesses and having to mix up his teams of horses frequently.

“I’m grateful to my whole team, it’s a great feeling and we’ll enjoy it for now,” he said. “We care for these animals and there’s lots of work ahead.”

(Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Just short of a magical season

This year’s High Point winner had the more impressive overall weekend, but was a hint slower than Baptiste.

St. Walburg’s Jamie Laboucane had the best season of his career, shown particularly in his aggregate victories at the North American Chuckwagon Championship and this CPCA Finals. Between the first four days and the dash, he posted the second, third and fourth fastest times, but it wasn’t as fast as the champ on Sunday.

“Of course I’d love to win that last race, but I haven’t broken that seal yet, so we’ll just keep cracking it and hopefully one day we’ll pull it off,” Laboucane said.

“They took good care of the track this year and we were close to the track record, but Todd pulled it off. We had a great season and great race.”

Laboucane won several other aggregate titles this year, including the previous tour stop in Meadow Lake. Despite not coming away with the prize vehicle from Nissan, the veteran driver said he was able to accomplish several goals in 2022, including finishing the season as the High Point driver for the first time in his career.

“That was a big checklist off my wagon career, so I’m pretty proud of my barn crew, everybody.”

Two more solid campaigns

The rising star of this chuckwagon season was clearly Frog Lake First Nation’s Preston Faithful. The fourth-year driver, improved on a ninth place finish by qualifying for the dash for the first time and running his best time of the weekend on Sunday.

Faithful said he was nervous at his first dash earlier this year, but was prepared for the stakes and the crowd in Lloydminster.

“This one I just let it all hang loose and looking at my team afterwards. I really enjoyed how fun it was,” he said.

No stranger to horse racing, Faithful competed in pony chariots once he turned 14 and even drove in Texas for a winter. He credited his continued improvement to the work he and his team have put in during the offseason.

“The key is horsemanship and I think it’s showing on the track,” he said. “After a day or two here, we’ll be down to the States, trying to get some new horses from prestigious buyers.”

Last year’s winner Logan Gorst finished fourth this time around on Sunday, but he said he feels good about the campaign. Meadow Lake’s top CPCA driver placed among the final four nearly every show, with a great showing at the NACC and CPCA Finals.

“I was lucky enough to make a few dashes and it came down to a barrel draw that Todd utilized really well,” Gorst said.

Looking at an increasingly crowded field of talent in the CPCA, Gorst said it’s exciting to know he, Baptiste and Laboucane are going to be pushed even more next year, which will make him better.

“You have to run at the top to win, then you have to break new horses,” he said. “Everyone will be doing that, buying new horses in the fall, looking for the next new star.”

Gorst also thanked the sponsors of the CPCA for their support this year, noting how the league is able to run thanks to that support.

(Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

—

josh.ryan@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports

by Josh Ryan

Todd Baptiste sets track record in second CPCA Finals victory

What's Trending