By winning the Prix d’Amérique Races ZEturf Qualif # 2 – Prix du Bourbonnais on Sunday, Etonnant did much more than win an important race at the winter meeting: he is definitely one of the tenors of current French trotting. And even takes its place in the top 3.
Etonnant indeed has the same record as Face Time Bourbon in person at the Prix d’Amerique Races ZEturf: two participations, one victory and a second place. Like the crack at the two Prix d’Amerique Legend Race, he also set himself a record in one of the two Qualifiers by signing the exceptional kilometer reduction of 1’11’’4 on Sunday. Finally, like Face Time Bourbon, and barring a last-minute change in plan, Etonnant will no longer be seen at Paris-Vincennes before January 30, the day of the Prix d’Amérique.
A record collector
Etonnant (7 years and over a million euros in earnings) is anything but a newcomer at the highest level. We will of course remember his brilliant success in the Prix de Paris – Marathon Race, the last event of the 2020-2021 winter trilogy (review the race) before winning the Prix des Ducs de Normandie in Caen in the spring.
We also remember that he holds two exceptional personal bests: 1’09”7 on the trot (in the Prix René Ballière 2021) and 1’10” on the mounted, the absolute record for the specialty that ‘he co-owns with Bilibili.
Etonnant is now driven by Anthony Barrier, who has become his official driver and with whom the understanding is perfect, as is clearly shown by the progress made by the horse, especially in its ability to negotiate the last turn.
He is coached by the incredible Richard Westerink, Dutch by birth, Landes and French at heart, and finding here a new champion after his historic crack Timoko (€ 5,011,851), who is none other than Etonnant‘s father. His dam Migraine had also won at Group I level: the 2004 Presidential Prize. Christian Vigier breeder and owner of this Migraine is also Etonnant‘s breeder (and co-owner).
