Timing plays an essential role in Trotting races. It determines several parameters, including the value of competitors. The time measured in each event makes it possible to establish a reduction in kilometers for the participants. This data also reflects the evolution and constant improvement in performance over the years. The ultimate speed test, the Prix de France “Speed Race”, scheduled for Sunday February 14 at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes, regularly throws the hands of the stopwatch into a panic. The history of the Ultimate Final # 2 is full of achievements and the Group I record has often shaken. Five breathtaking editions have marked the charts since 1980. One of the challenges of the 2021 edition is whether the record will fall.
1981: The American Classical Way strikes a blow by winning the Prix de France “Speed Race” on the foot of 1’14’’2. This is the first time a winner has trotted below the 1’15” mark in the event. The super-fast mare confirmed her recent third place in the Prix d’Amérique “Legend Race”.
1984: The Classical Way‘s record didn’t last very long. This time, Lurabo drops below the 1’14 ’’ level with a 1’13’’7 score. He thus achieved the double Prix d’Amérique “Legend Race” – Prix de France “Speed Race” in stride.
1994: ten years later, the popular Vourasie thrills the crowd by establishing a new benchmark. She won brilliantly in 1’12’’5 (1’13’’ mark).
2004: a big leap forward is made with the Swedish Naglo who lowers the Group I record to 1’10”7, two caps are passed at once, that of 1’12’’ and that of 1’11’’.
2007: this time we go below the 1’10’’ level thanks to Kool du Caux (our photo), winner in 1’09’’8. He still holds the record for the Prix de France “Speed Race”.
It seems incredible that the record is now 14 years old. Will it finally fall in the 2021 vintage? This is theoretically possible when you consider that Face Time Bourbon, competing this Sunday, trotted twice 1’09’’4 last year, on the course of the event. He thus set the general speed record at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes. Everything will obviously depend on the course of the race on the one hand, and the condition of the track on the other. A quick and dry ash would encourage another speeding…
