The 2021 edition of Prix d’Amérique “Legend Race”, Sunday January 31 at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes, once again offered a spectacular spectacle. Face Time Bourbon won for the second time in a row in the Harness World Championship, smashing the speed record of the event.
He was the clear favorite. His magnificent record and recent victories had propelled him to the top of a majority of predictions. Face Time Bourbon meets all expectations in a brilliant way. After a cautious start, the defending champion is positioned in the wake of leader Bahia Quesnot. He is closely followed by Davidson du Pont, the second favorite announced as his most dangerous rival. With 500 meters to go, Face Time Bourbon left the mare’s wake to take the lead. Davidson du Pont follows him like his shadow. Despite a magnificent effort, he cannot worry her. His phenomenal opponent soars to another triumph, clearly beating the event record. Its mileage reduction: 1’10’’8 against 1’11’’2, the previous benchmark jointly owned by Readly Express and Bold Eagle.
Davidson du Pont, piloted and trained by Jean-Michel Bazire, retains second place, ahead of Gu d’Héripré and Franck Nivard. Délia du Pommereux and Eric Raffin are fourth, just ahead of the courageous Bahia Quesnot, prepared and led by Junior Guelpa.
Face Time Bourbon wins the first of three Ultimate Finals of the Prix d’Amerique Races ZEturf competition. Next meetings for the trotting champions: Sunday February 14 for the Prix de France “Speed Race”, then Sunday February 28 for the Prix de Paris “Marathon Race”. The winner in the three consecutive Ultimate Finals will succeed in the fantastic challenge of Ultimate.
At the microphone of Equidia, Björn Goop, driver of the winner and who takes here his third Prix d’Amerique “Legend Race”, is in admiration: “He is a horse like no other, an extraterrestrial. I am extremely fortunate to be able to be associated with him. I am very happy and very moved by this new victory. I tried to stay focused and not be nervous because the horses feel it. Face Time Bourbon has been wonderfully well prepared by Sébastien Guarato. He and his team did a wonderful job. ”
Sébastien Gurato, Face Time Bourbon trainer, signs his fourth victory in the Prix d’Amérique “Legend Race”. He analyzes: “It was very tactical and Björn Goop had a great race. I knew my horse was even better than during his last outings. I had changed his preparation and it paid off. He was perfect today. He’s a real crack. ”
Watch the 2021 Prix d’Amerique Legend Race by clicking here.
