One of the most famous horse racing journalists, Pierrette Brès remains passionate and will closely follow the Prix d’Amérique Opodo Finale Epiqe Series.
What does the Prix d’Amérique Opodo mean to you?
It is the biggest trotting race in the world, all the Prix d’Amérique impressed me. All the horses I saw winning impressed me. It’s fantastic to see champions clashing for the supreme title. I vibrate every year before the race. Even if I do not make any more prognostications and even if I turned the page in relation to my profession of horse journalist, I continue to be passionate for the great tests.
What was your best prize in America?
I have a hard time detaching a particular edition. The one that comes to mind is the one won by Sea Cove in 1994. The day before the race, I had interviewed Jos Verbeeck, his driver. I asked him how he would lead his partner who was not among the big favorites. He replied: “I do not tell you, otherwise I’ll lose!” “. The next day, Jos had taken a flying start to quickly take 200 meters ahead of the peloton. His opponents let him do it, thinking that the tandem was never going to go all the way. Bad idea because Sea Cove has resisted its pursuers to win in a fantastic way! Such sang-froid and confidence on the part of Jos Verbeeck amazed me.
What anecdotes come back to you by evoking the Prix d’Amérique?
I remember the very first I followed. It was in 1963, when Ozo triumphed. I had visited her in her box. She was magnificent, imposing but also fantastic. Roger Massue, his coach driver, put on music to calm her down. She also rubbed shoulders with hens so she would not get bored. I also had the chance to get out Ourasi on the promenade, at his home in Moissy-Cramoyel. I settled down to his sulky to take him on a country lane. He was very nonchalant, stopping all three beaten to eat grass! This relaxed training allowed him to be phenomenal in competition. I also have wonderful memories of Ideal du Gazeau, a very small horse, but great by talent.
How do you envisage the Prix d’Amérique Opodo 2017?
My favorite will be obviously the champion Bold Eagle. The length and amplitude of his battles are incredible. I enjoyed his victories in the two preparatory stages. In my opinion, he has not given everything and will still make sparks. I also like Anna Mix and Call Me Keeper.
Picture: Scoopdyga
