The Prix d’Amérique Races ZEturf Qualif #6 – Prix de Belgique gave rise to a splendid spectacle on Sunday January 15 at the Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes. The 18 competitors fought hard to win the last three tickets for the Prix d’Amérique Races ZEturf Finals. Horsy Dream won in an impressive way.
The first twist in the Prix d’Amérique Races ZEturf Qualif #6 – Prix de Belgique happened the day before the start with the withdrawal of the Swedish phenomenon Calgary Games, who would have been the favourite. Group II, which appeared to be “the last chance”, therefore promised to be even more open and undecided. Beads, the American horse trained by Jean-Michel Bazire, quickly took charge of the operations, accompanied by Gu d’Héripré. Horsy Dream, who had been ambushed during the course, attacked hard on the final corner, then broke away sharply on the finish straight. Its success has truly impressed observers.
Two disqualifications after investigation!
Hirondelle Sibey finished strong in second place but lost the benefit of her efforts after an investigation by the stewards into her paces. Decoloration, his training companion, recovered the accessit of honor. Gu d’Héripré, initially third, was also disqualified after an investigation. Hohneck took the opportunity to climb onto the podium. Horsy Dream had already qualified thanks to his victory in Qualif #4 – Prix Ténor de Baune, unlike Decoloration and Hohneck, who therefore won their passport for the Finals of the Prix d’Amérique Races ZEturf competition: the Prix d’Amérique Legend Race, world championship in the Sulky scheduled for Sunday 29 January, the Prix de France Speed Race and the Prix de Paris Marathon Race.
Eric Raffin, the driver of Horsy Dream, was all smiles after the race: “He is an extraordinary horse, he was able to win easily today when he was not unshod. However, he deserves to be preserved because he is only beginning his career. He will have logical ambitions to finish in the top three of the Prix d’Amérique Legend Race, but you have to keep a cool head”.
Pierre Belloche, trainer of the winner, added: “My horse has enormous strength of character. He imposes himself by being shod today, which proves his immense talent. I have always felt his great abilities, so I am not surprised by his victory. It’s great but the configuration will be different in two weeks.”
The champion trotters are now meeting lovers of fine sport on Sunday January 29 at Paris-Vincennes for a breathtaking Prix d’Amérique Legend Race. 18 tenors will compete: the 12 qualified horses (see below) and the 6 richest among those entered.
