After finishing second the two previous years, Davidson du Pont won the supreme grail in the 101st edition of the Prix d’Amérique Legend Race, Sunday January 30 at the Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes. This fabulous victory also marked the advent of youth thanks to Nicolas Bazire, the 21-year-old winner’s coach-driver.
Electric suspense and multiple twists made the Prix d’Amérique Legend Race, the first of the three Finals of the Prix d’Amérique Races ZEturf competition, an exceptional sporting moment. The race was announced to be very open after the withdrawal of the double title holder Face Time Bourbon, who would have started with the status of great favorite. The scenario was written on the thread of many relays in mind. Davidson du Pont, Galius and Etonnant took turns leading the debates. In the last turn, it was the least rich of the peloton, Galius, who broke away first. The partner of Yoann Lebourgeois seemed to fly away to glory but Davidson du Pont rushed in pursuit and was remaking meter by meter on his rival. Who was going to triumph? On the post, the two champions finished practically in the same beat. After examining the photo finish, Davidson du Pont won just ahead of Galius. Flamme du Goutier took third place ahead of Vivid Wise As and Hohneck.
Davidson du Pont thus becomes the new Sulky world champion. A logical and deserved reward after his two honors behind Face Time Bourbon in 2020 and 2021. At only 21 years old, Nicolas Bazire, trainer and driver of the winner, finds the ultimate consecration. The son of Jean-Michel, the professional with the 20 Sulkys d’Or, exulted after his victory: “I don’t realize. I didn’t already know if I had won when I crossed the post, it was so tight. I imagined this moment in my dreams but not in reality. It is in any case a deserved success for my horse. Davidson du Pont is a real champion, he is still there despite his age. The credit is entirely his, I have nothing to do with it. It gives me the best day of my life.”
Relive the race by clicking here.
