The Prix de France Speed Race champions panicked the clock hands on Sunday February 13 at the Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes. The Italian Vivid Wise As won clearly by beating the record for the event. Matthieu Abrivard’s partner has shown that he is the strongest over short distances.
Under the charmed eyes of Diane Leyre, Miss France 2002, the Prix de France Speed Race, second of the three Finals of the Prix d’Amérique Races ZEturf competition, gave rise to an exciting and ultra-fast confrontation. Flamme du Goutier, Billie de Montfort and Vitruvio set off at full speed to animate the debates, then Cokstile in turn seized command on the climb. Davidson du Pont, winner of the Prix d’Amérique Legend Race two weeks earlier, joined the front of the peloton a little further on. But it was written that this breathless ordeal would smile on the wait-and-sees. The top five gave way at the start of the straight to leave the honors to Zacon Gio and Vivid Wise As. The latter finished strongest to easily win ahead of Delia du Pommereux, who provided a superb final effort. Zacon Gio retained third place.
Vivid Wise As, trained in Italy by Alessandro Gocciadoro and owned by Scuderia Bivans, set the new Prix de France Speed Race record in 1’09”7. Délia du Pommereux and Face Time Bourbon (companion of the winner of the day), respectively first and second last year, and Kool du Caux, winner in 2007, held this record so far in 1’09”8.
Matthieu Abrivard, driver of Vivid Wise As, expressed his joy after the finish: “It’s a great victory in one of the most beautiful events on the calendar. Vivid Wise As is a lion, he sprang perfectly to finish after a favorable course. He is a true champion over short distances. I live a magic moment”.
Relive the race by clicking here.
