GRAND PRIX D’AMÉRIQUE
The race of all races. The dream of all dreams. The biggest, boldest, and most thrilling race on Earth.
It is time for the Grand Prix d'Amérique. The hype and build-up are unparalleled.
For the last three months, horses from across Europe have been competing to qualify for the most wanted ticket in harness racing:
A ticket to the Grand Prix d'Amérique at the 'holy grail' of trotting: Hippodrome Vincennes.
For the past three months, multiple qualification races have been held at Vincennes.
There are 16 tickets up for grabs in total, with two additional spots reserved for the richest horses (subject to certain criteria). However, it sometimes happens that a single horse earns multiple tickets, which results in three or more horses being invited based on their lifetime earnings.
Below, I’ll discuss all the participants in post number order.
Each horse will be analyzed, covering their form, driver, and how they earned their ticket.
(Please note: I will assess all horses and drivers with an objective yet sharp lens. I deeply respect all horses, drivers, and trainers. All information presented is based solely on this race.)
Get ready for a spectacle everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Sunday, 15:15 PM at Vincennes. The link to the broadcast will be shared at the end of this blog.
TURNING START - 2700M - GRADE 1
Iroise de la Noë - Th. Levesque
Iroise de la Noë has been developing into an impressive trotter. Since November 2024, his performances have been outstanding as he works toward his ultimate goal: participation in the Grand Prix d'Amérique. Trainer Th. Levesque has prepared him exceptionally well. He left a strong impression in the Grand National du Trot final, where he pushed It’s a Dollarmaker to the limit, finishing just behind him despite not being in peak form.
Iroise de la Noë qualified on January 12th with a time of 1'12''1 over 2,850 meters. He claimed a convincing victory in the Prix de Belgique, the final qualifier where tickets are awarded. After taking the lead around the 1,000-meter mark, he finished strong and defended his position very well. He has proven himself as a horse capable of handling tough, fast races.
While a top-five placing is within reach, he’s unlikely to challenge the favorites for the win.
Iroise de la Noë, winning the Prix de Belgique. Keep Going - M. Mottier
This 5-year-old earned his ticket by winning the Criterium Continental in 1'09''7 over 2100m, where only the winner secures a ticket. Trainer and driver M. Mottier has been in incredible form, consistently picking up victories.
Keep Going is a generational talent, as demonstrated not only by his qualification but also by his victory in the Criterium for 4-year-olds in September 2024.
Fast and can do both short and long distances, However, his inexperience might prevent him from finishing at the very front here. Still, with his current form, he could surprise us with a minor placing.
Justin Bold - P.Y. Verva
A decent and consistent performer paired with an equally capable driver. While Justin Bold has benefitted from some favorable circumstances in his recent races, he has consistently delivered fast finishes. He secured his qualification with a third-place finish in the Prix de Bourgogne (2,100 meters).
That said, Justin Bold relies on a good trip and isn’t the type to contend for a win. He’s an outsider in this race and is unlikely to play a significant role.
Fakir de Mahey - D. Bekaert
The second star from M. Mottier's stable, Fakir de Mahey, will be driven by D. Bekaert.
Fakir de Mahey is an incredibly strong horse and capable of performing well under various race conditions. However, he does tend to be a bit inconsistent. He secured his ticket for this race with a fourth-place finish in the Prix de Bourbonnais (2,850 meters). (For the first time in the qualifying system, fourth place in a qualifying race granted a ticket) While some might view this as lucky, his performances have proven that he deserves his spot.
Although still a big outsider, Fakir de Mahey is a solid contender who could add some excitement to the race.
Ideal Ligneries - B. Rochard
An inconsistent performer, Ideal Ligneries appears to be finding form recently. Trainer J.P. Monclin has entrusted B. Rochard, a calm and decisive driver, to guide him in this race. Rochard’s experience could provide the boost the horse needs.
Ideal Ligneries qualified in the Prix de Belgique (2,850 meters) with a fast finish, clocking 1'12''2. He finished second. However, the Prix de Belgique was notably less competitive, compared to other qualifying races.
As a result, Ideal Ligneries remains an outsider in this race.
Ideal Ligneries during the Prix de Belgique It’s a Dollarmacker - M. Abrivard
Really strong and really fast, It’s a Dollarmacker is trained by one of France’s top trainers, S. Guarato. Known for his exceptional consistency, the horse is usually driven by E. Raffin (who will now drive Josh Power). For this race, however, M. Abrivard, one of France’s most trusted drivers, will take the reins.
It’s a Dollarmacker earned his qualification with a fourth-place finish in the Prix de Belgique after an incredibly demanding race. I would like to see him in front, as he does seem to perform best from the lead. If he behaves well and gets the right conditions, he could surprise with a top-five placing. However, he isn’t likely to match the favorites for the win.
Josh Power - E. Raffin
Since switching trainers in 2022, Josh Power has developed into one of the finest horses in France. Now among the elite, trainer S. Ernault has carefully prepared him at the beach, trying to get him to peak condition. Josh Power has defeated top-quality horses multiple times, including Jushua Tree, a former favorite for the Grand Prix d'Amérique before his unfortunate injury.
Josh Power showed us a convincing performance to win the Prix de Bourbonnais in 1'11''5 over 2,850 meters, and has since then focused on maintaining his excellent form. With the Sulky d'Or winner, Eric Raffin—who recently claimed victory in the Prix de Cornulier—guiding him, Josh Power is in the best possible hands.
A top-four finish is well within reach, and he’s among the favorites to win.
Just Love You - A. Abrivard
This is the story that could bring tears to the eyes of fans. In mid-2024 she and her driver, A. Abrivard, got into a car accident.
A. Abrivard broke a leg and many doubted whether Just Love You would ever return to her peak form. Retirement was even discussed as a possibility.
However, Just Love You and A. Abrivard made a remarkable comeback on December 8, 2024, by winning the Prix Ténor de Baune in 1'12''1 over 2,700 meters. This win secured the sole ticket from that race. She later competed in the Prix de Belgique to maintain her form.
If she gets a good trip, Just Love You could surprise with a top-six finish. Paired with one of France’s best drivers, A. Abrivard, this combination has real potential.
Inmarosa - L. Abrivard
A consistent participant in Europe’s biggest races, Inmarosa has been known for her incredible finishing speed. While her performances have been inconsistent recently, she appears to be rediscovering her form. If she gets the right trip, Inmarosa is exactly the kind of horse that could secure a strong placing.
She qualified based on earnings, narrowly missing out on a ticket in the Prix de Belgique by finishing fifth. Driver L. Abrivard is her usual and trusted driver, but she might do better with a more experienced driver.
Dimitri Ferm - G. Gelormini
A capable horse in the hands of an even more capable driver, G. Gelormini is regarded as a consistent figure in French racing. His latest and most significant victory in Europe was the Grade 1 Elitloppet in 2023.
Dimitri Ferm, the Italian star in this field, has delivered impressive performances in both his home country and at Vincennes. He has managed to place second behind Jushua Tree twice, over distances of 2100m and 2700m.
Although he is a talented horse, Dimitri Ferm has only raced against his own generation. He started twice against elite horses in the Prix de Bourbonnais and the Prix de Bourgogne, with one disqualification and one non-placing. He seems to be a major outsider for the Grand Prix d'Amérique, qualifying based on earnings.
Hussard de Landret - Y. Lebourgeois
The Prix de Paris 2024 winner saw a significant decline in form after this victory, as he struggled to perform for nearly a year.
However, he made a spectacular comeback in November during the Prix de Bretagne, the first qualifier, finishing first in 1'11''4 over 2,700 meters. Since then, he hasn’t secured a placing but appears to be focusing on maintaining his form and physical health.
If Hussard de Landret is feeling good on race day and driver Y. Lebourgeois handles him well, without driving recklessly or impatiently, he has a strong chance of finishing in the top four. He’s a powerful horse who knows how to defend his position when it counts.
Emeraude de Bais - F. Nivard
Emeraude de Bais has captured the hearts of fans with her consistency, speed, and remarkable intelligence. She thrives over all distances and adapts well to any type of race. This time, she is reunited with her favorite driver, F. Nivard, who returns after a suspension.
Nivard, an experienced Prix d’Amérique driver and past winner, knows how to bring out the best in Emeraude de Bais. With his expertise, she is expected to deliver a strong performance and secure a solid placing in the race. Emeraude de Bais qualified in the Prix de Bourbonnais with an excellent second place in 1'11''6 over 2850m.
San Moteur - B. Goop
San Moteur is arguably the most prominent international contender on paper. A true superstar throughout his career, San Moteur has primarily competed in Sweden. He secured his spot in the 2024 Prix d’Amérique with a stunning victory, instantly being labeled one of the favorites. Unfortunately, an injury derailed those hopes, and his dreams of winning the legendary race were put on hold.
Thankfully, San Moteur has fully recovered and returned to his best form. Trained and driven by B. Goop—one of the world’s finest drivers—San Moteur remains one of the big competitors. This year, he qualified with a second-place finish in the Prix de Bretagne, missing victory by a nose. He finished in 1'11''4 over 2700m
With a favorable trip, San Moteur is expected to be battling at the front and is a major contender in this year’s edition.
Don Fanucci Zet - P. Ph. Ploquin
The second Swedish star in this lineup, Don Fanucci Zet is a dominant horse in his home country. Backed up by his Elitloppet victory in 2021. However, his performances in France have been less remarkable, as he has yet to secure a top-four finish. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like this will be the race where he changes that.
P. Ploquin is a capable driver, particularly in monté races, where his calm driving stlyle often brings success. This is less so in the regular races. This race will most likely prove too challenging for Don Fanucci Zet. He got awarded his ticket based on his earnings.
Elitloppet 2021, Don Fanucci Zet wins the final in style Ampia Mede SM - V. D'Alessandro Jr.
This mare came incredibly close to achieving the "Triple Couronne" or "Triple Crown" in 2023. After finishing second in the Grand Prix d’Amérique, she claimed victory in both the Prix de France and Prix de Paris. Unfortunately she hasn't been able to find that form anymore. Changed trainers twice and is in my humble opinion looking at retirement. This explains why she has qualified based on her earnings for the biggest race of the year.
With an inexperienced driver at Vincennes and her current form, Ampia Mede SM doesn't appear to be a contender in this race.
Go On Boy - R. Derieux
Trainer and driver R. Derieux has expressed high confidence and is the one to look out for. Shown us he's capable to finish fast over any distance but does need a good trip. Isn't the fastest starter too.
His recent performances have been highly impressive, and he is regarded as one of the major contenders for victory. He qualified for the Prix d’Amérique with a second-place finish in the Prix de Bourgogne in an astonishing 1'09''9 ovee 2100m.
An especially notable performance after a 64-day layoff.
Go On Boy is undoubtedly one of the favorites.
Go On Boy winning the U.E.T. Elite Circuit Final at Vincennes, November 2024. One of his best victories to date, where he beat Hooker Berry and Idao de Tillard Hooker Berry - N. Bazire
The 2023 Grand Prix de Amérique winner where he took the win by finishing explosively fast. However, since that career-defining moment, Hooker Berry hasn’t displayed the same level of performance. Additionally, in his most successful races he was driven by J.M. Bazire instead of N. Bazire, Hooker Berry been acting up a bit lately in the last turn. He does need the perfect race to use his speed. But with the perfect trip he's absolutley a horse to look out for. Hooker Berry qualified for the Grand Prix de Amérique with two (!) third placings, in both the Prix de Bretagne (1'11''5 over 2700m) and the Prix de Belgique (1'12''3 over 2850m)
Idao de Tillard - Cl. Duvaldestin
The reigning champion. Trainer Cl. Duvaldestin has announced a bold decision to remove all irons for the first time, allowing Idao de Tillard to race completely unassisted. This move is high-risk, as the horse is known to be sensitive and prone to breaking stride under stress. On the other side could it help him to put on a performance needed for the win.
Idao de Tillard is undeniably one of the best horses in the world when both his physical and mental health are in harmony. He is capable of winning any race. However, a recent illness during the preparation season raised questions about his current form. However, he responded in style with a characteristic 'Idao de Tillard victory' in the Prix de Bourgogne, clocking 1'09''8 over 2100m.
Additionally, Cl. Duvaldestin, while skilled, lacks the consistency and experience of some of the other top drivers, which could lead to a mistake.
If everything falls into place, Idao de Tillard remains one of the favorites and a strong candidate for a top-three finish.
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