The Prix d’Amérique Races ZEturf competition got off to a dazzling start with Qualif #1 – Prix de Bretagne, on Sunday 20 November at the Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes. Hip Hop Haufor, Italiano Vero and Ampia Mede SM, the first three of this splendid Group II, obtained their qualification for the three Finals after a show full of suspense.
The Prix d’Amérique Races ZEturf 2022-2023 started with sad news. Galius, who would have been one of the favorites for Qualif #1 – Prix de Bretagne, passed away on Sunday morning. The resident of Séverine Raimond notably finished second in the Prix d’Amérique Legend Race last January.
After several stints at the head of the race, Décoloration firmly took control on the descent. Ampia Mede SM then accelerated to take the lead on the final corner. The favorite seemed to come off but Hip Hop Haufor quickly came on the outside. He finished strongest to create the decision ahead of Hussard du Landret and Italiano Vero. Ampia Mede SM retained fourth place ahead of Flamme du Goutier, who finished pleasantly without being very happy. His setbacks would trigger an investigation by the commissioners. Eventually, Hussard du Landret was demoted from second to fifth place for hampering her rival. The official ranking became the following: Hip Hop Haufor first, Italiano Vero second and Ampia Mede SM third. All three won their ticket to the three prestigious Finals of the Prix d’Amérique Races ZEturf competition: the Prix d’Amérique Legend Race, the Prix de France Speed Race and the Prix de Paris Marathon Race.
A newcomer to the competition and one of the less wealthy in the pack, Hip Hop Haufor nevertheless achieved very authoritative success. Christian Bigeon, his trainer-driver, declared after the finish: “It’s a machine! He moves forward all the time and is never tired. I did not rush him in the course because I felt that my horse was doing very well. We won easily. I take great pleasure with him, he has an iron temperament. I am delighted ! “. The Sulky champions are already meeting fans of fine sport on Sunday 11 December for Qualif #2 – Prix du Bourbonnais.
