Arrival of the fifth : 17 – 1 – 10 – 15 – 4
The emotion was palpable at the arrival of the hundred and first Prix d’Amérique. Second of the last two editions, Davidson du Pont won the Grail at the end of a race that will go down in the annals of equestrian sport. Whereas Galius (n°1) was several steps ahead at the exit of the last bend, Davidson du Pont managed to recover inch by inch across the finish line to edge Séverine Raimond’s partner by a header as he passed the post. “It’s the best day of my life,” savored the son of Jean-Michel Bazire. An emotion shared by owner Jean-Yves Rayon. “Winning the Prix d’Amérique in my colors with the grandson in the sulky is the biggest day of my career,” said the 74-year-old man.
Preceded by nothing after having long deluded for success, Yoann Lebourgeois had trouble hiding his disappointment: “I obviously regret being beaten so little. I would have preferred to be ahead of two lengths. »
Behind the top three, Flame of Goutier (n° 10) finished in a very pleasant action to the great pleasure of his trainer, Thierry Duvaldestin: “My son, Théo, was competing in his first Prix d’Amérique. He can be proud of himself. He perfectly drove the mare which was evolving seven days apart after her success in the Prix d’Amérique. »
After the prank of Rebella Matters mid-straight (No. 3) which promised to be competitive for a runner-up, Vivid Wise As (#15) grabbed fourth place and edged out one of the favorites, Hohneck (n° 4), who had his chance for a better ranking in the final phase. The resident of Phillippe Allaire precedes Chica de Joudes (n°7) “I am delighted for this last Prix d’Amérique”, admitted the dean of the peloton who will celebrate his 69th birthday on February 6th. Disappointment with amazing (n° 8), entered in second position in the finish line but unable to accelerate in the final phase and who is satisfied with a modest 8th place behind Devil of Vauvert (n° 5).
