The Prix d’Amérique Legend Race, the first Final of the Prix d’Amérique Races ZEturf competition, was the highlight of the year on Sunday January 29 at the Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes. Hooker Berry, trained and driven by Jean-Michel Bazire, won the Sulky World Champion title.
Fervor, breathtaking show, twists and sporting excellence made the 2023 edition of the Prix d’Amérique Legend Race an exceptional moment. 16 superb champions offered the jubilant crowd a dantesque confrontation. The start was fatal to Decoloration, and a few hundred meters further on, Group I lost one of its two main favourites. A dramatic turn of events and huge disappointment for his many supporters: Idao de Tillard galloped off and was eliminated. Meanwhile, the Swedish Don Fanucci Zet took command, accompanied by Horsy Dream, the other favorite of the public. However, the two leaders were going to give in on the final straight line.
Jean-Michel Bazire, patient behind the animators, launched his partner Hooker Berry and spun to the post, his leg raised as a gesture of joy. An easy victory full of panache, after a dream course. The man with 20 Sulkys d’Or won his fifth success as a driver in the Prix d’Amérique Legend Race, and his third as a trainer. One year after Davidson du Pont and son Nicolas, the Bazire family keeps the most beautiful trotting trophy at home.
Jean-Michel Bazire, the showman
Ampia Mede SM, unlucky during the race, finished strong in second, ahead of young Italiano Vero, Hip Hop Haufor and Hohneck. Thrilled after his demonstration, Jean-Michel Bazire spoke at the microphone of Equidia: “My horse was on top. I tried to give him the best course possible by putting him behind opponents. As soon as I got out of their back, I knew I had won. It’s an immense pleasure, associated with a magnificent trotter”.
Michel Aladenise, owner and breeder of Hooker Berry: “I never believed in a victory in the Prix d’Amérique and yet it’s done! I do not realize. I already didn’t realize I was taking part in the event, so… It’s great. I thank all the supporters of the horse”.
The champions of the planet Trot are now meeting their aficionados on Sunday February 12, still at Paris-Vincennes. It will be time for the Prix de France Speed Race, the second Final of the Prix d’Amérique Races ZEturf competition and the revenge of the Prix d’Amérique Legend Race. The cracks will go at full speed on the 2,100 meters of the big track.
Review the race of the Prix d’Amérique ZEturf Legend Race 2023
