There has been no revolution: the queen, Roxane Griff, has held on to her throne after a splendid battle with her eternal rival Tiégo d’Etang. However, there were still a few moments where her entourage had butterflies in their stomachs as she pushed hard to the right and ended up next to the railing. Both competitors demonstrated that they were at their absolute pinnacle of physical fitness to contest the Grand Prix de Cornulier. Although Tiégo d’Etang was shod (whereas Roxane Griff wasn’t), the way he accelerated at the end of the race seemed to suggest that he is in optimum form for the Prix d’Amérique Opodo, especially as the moderate field in this race didn’t make it too difficult for him. For her part, Roxane Griff, winner of the harness championships for the second year in a row, remained true to form. She got off to a strong start before biding her time in a good position, with her direct opponent hot on her heels. The incredible thrust forwards that she gave in the final bend to catch up with the leader, as well as the tenacity she displayed in the last few meters to hold off Christian Bigeon’s partner, served to perfectly illustrate her mental and physical strength. This champion needs to be watched very closely in the Big Race. As for Tiégo d’Etang, he will be unshod all round for the Prix d’Amérique Opodo.
