At Cherbourg on March 28 two owned by the late Comte Pierre de Montesson were winners, both driven by Franck Nivard. Datcha (3f The Best Madrik-Quaska des Arris) took the €20,000 purse Prix Point Couses “La Cravache d’ru” over 2625 meters, besting nine rivals and timed in 1.21.5kr. Making only her second career start for trainer Emmanuele Ruault after a second place initial appearance, the 1.9/1 favorite defeated 17/1 Dynamite du Boulay (3f Defi d’Aunou-Mona Lisa Jet) and 9/1 Duchesse Aldo (3f Roc Meslois-Olita Barbes).
http://www.letrot.com/fr/replay-courses/2016-03-28/5006/1
The other Montesson stable winner was 3/2 odds favorite Black (5g Islero de Bellouet-Okita) in the €22,000 Prix du Journal Paris-Turf. Franck Nivard drove this one that he also trains, timed in 1.16.5kr to raise career earnings to €62,100. 7.2/1 Belphegor du Paj (5g Derby du Gite-Papite Club) finished second ahead of 85/1 Black Jack From (5m Scipion du Goutier-Off Key). Comte Pierre de Montesson, who passed away in 2015, wass well known in both trotting and gallop as owner of Une de Mai, Toscan and Katko. His stable colors continue to win high-level groupe races
http://www.letrot.com/fr/replay-courses/2016-03-28/5006/6
The same day, at Beaumont de Lomagne, the lightly raced Cocomoko (4g Imoko-Kiss Me Coulonces) won the €20,000 Prix Love You for owner/trainer/driver Richard Westerink. This full brother to Timoko scored in 1.15.5kr over 2550 meters to defeat 12 rivals. The winner now has career earnings of €43,040 with three wins and five placings in 11 starts. At La Capelle, the Prix de la Ville du Guise (purse €25,000, 2700 meters autostart, 16 entrants) went to 6.4/1 Apollon de Kacy (6m Prince Gede-Nefertiti Kids) for driver/trainer/owner Jorgen Westholm, clocked in 1.14.5kr.
Thomas H. Hicks