The grand mare Billie de Montfort (7f Jasmin de Flore-Quismy de Montfort) scored at 4.3/1 at Gelsenkirchen Germany in the 50,000€ purse fourth leg of the Tour European Trotteur Francais. Raced over 2600 meters autostart the raced was named the Grand Prix Gelsenkirchen and Billie, with Hugo Langeweg Jr. at the lines, recorded her 16th career victory in 76 starts now for 1,766,816€ earned.
Race time was 1.13.3kr for the Sebastien Guarato trainee that is owned by breeder Philippe Dauphin. She has posted a series second at Wolvega and Son Pardo and fourth at Avenches before today.
Billie defeated a Guarato stablemate and 7/10 favorite Valko Jenilat (9m Kepler-Perle de Roc) that Dauphin bred and Guy Chaumont now owns, with Eric Raffin aboard. 2.4/1 Anna Mix (8f Ludo de Castelle-Ires) took third for Loic Guinoiseau and owner/trainer Franck Leblanc. 41/1 Ultimate du Rib (10g Dahir de Prelong) was fourth. Beau Gamin was scratched.
The undercard showcased the Prix Moet & Chandon (purse 10,000€, 2600 meters, eight starters) with the 5/10 favorite El Magnifico (4g Tucson-Nigella) home first timed in 1.14.4kr with trainer Robbin Bot driving. Stall Cortina owns the winner that bested 4/1 Birdy de Neuilly (7g Quentocky) and driver Eric Raffin, for trainer Johan Bot and Stall de Groningers.
The 6.8/1 Apocha Jeloca (8g Memphis du Rib) was third handled by Jaap Van Rijn.
The Wettstar (purse 3,500€, 2000 meters autostart, 12 starters) brought out some well-bred performers, with victory to 5/10 favorite Free Bird (3m Ready Cash-Zandra Sib) handled by Michael Nimczyk, timed in 1.16.2kr. The victory was the third straight for the winner, that snapped a two race win streak of second finishing L'Amicus (4g Love You) reined by Robbin Bot.
By Thomas H. Hicks, for Harnesslink