Service Secret (10g Look de Star-Kalamita) took today’s Prix des Recontres Internationale (purse €22,000, 2100 meters autostart, 15 starters) with harness racing driver Franck Nivard up representing France. The 5/2 favorite scored in 1.15.9kr to survive in a close finish with 4.1/1 Sire de la Creuse (10g Ildo de Fleurac-Hanna de la Creuse) handled by Hungary’s Balazs Juhasz for trainer J.F. Senet. Third was 18/1 Tonio du Vivier (9g General du Pommeau-Melba du Vivier) with Rick Wester up.
This international drivers contest is an annual fixture during the winter meet at Vincennes.
Saturday’s Prix de Saint Georges de Didonne (purse €90,000, 2850 meters, 18 starters) went to 9/10 betting favorite Avenir de Blay (6g Hooper-Mirabelle de Blay) with breeder/owner/trainer Tony LeBeller aboard. Timed in 1.14.6kr this winner defeated 16/1 Aulis du Courtilfe (6g Buvetier d’Aunou-Miss du Courtille) with J-M Bazire driving and third finishing 34/1 Au Clair de Lune (6g Capriccio-Queen de Beaulieu)
The Gr. II Prix Vourasie (purse €80,000, 2200 meters, 13 two year-old fillies) went to a very impressive 34/1 Elea Madrik (2f Goetmals Wood-Duelea Madrik). Trainer William Bigeon teamed the winner for owner Cl. Guedj. 7/10 favorite Epice Turgot (2f Orlando Vici-Kippa Turgot) was next to the line for driver J-M Bazire. Fabrice Souloy trains this second place finisher for owner Mme. Th. Hoste. Third was 31/1 Elite du Ruel (2f Timoko-Romance du Ruel) handled by David Thomain for trainer Franck Anne and owner/breeder Annick Bazin. The winner was clocked in 1.15.3kr with a quick finishing kick.
Thomas H. Hicks