November 26, 2016 – Today’s Gr. III Prix de Chenonceaux (purse €100,000, 2700 meters, 10 starters) went to hot-trotting Traders (4m Ready Cash-Graziella) at 2/5 odds for David Thomain. Philippe Allaire trains the seven-time harness racing winner, now with earnings of €339,910 for owner Scuderia Colibri SAS. The front-end winner stormed home clocked in 1.13.3kr off even fractions (1.14.4kr at 1500 to go; 1.13.9kr at 1000; 1.14kr with 500 remaining). 9.7/1 Glen Ord Superb (5m Orlando Vici-Orions Hilda) was second for Christophe Martens and 12/1 Boeing du Bocage (5m Scipion du Goutier-Lova du Cap) was third for Loic Guinoiseau and trainer Franck Leblanc. Traders rallied past Bold Eagle is his last outing prior to today.
The Saturday afternoon program also included the €90,000 purse Prix de Quimper contested over 2850 meters by 12 European entrants. 3.6/1 Avenir de Blay (6g Hooper-Mirabelle de Blay) scored in 1.13.5kr for driver/trainer/owner Tony LeBeller. 43/1 Amiral du Bisson (6g Jeanbat du Vivier-Melodie du Bisson) was a distant second for David Thomain and third was 10/1 Arthuro Boy (m LeRetour-Guyane) for breeder/owner/trainer/driver Yves Dreux.
The Prix de Bagnoles de l’Orne (purse €85,000, 2700 meters, 18 starters) went to 1.13.6kr timed and 12/1 Une Serenade (8f Gazouillis-Moonlight Serenade). Eric Raffin teamed the Serge Peltier trainee. 18/1 Ustie Haufor (8f Niky-Lara du Houlbet) was second for Christian Bigeon and third went to Thierry Duvaldestin teamed 7/1 Univers de Daidou (8g Jag de Bellouet-l’Absinthe).
The day’s monte featured event was the Prix de Thoissey (purse €70,000, 2850 meters, 16 European starters) and the impressive Talikser Horse with Camille Levesque up was sidetracked by a dq. This the winw as awarded to 32/1 Caid de Bangale (4g Loulou Jet-Tierce de Bangale) with Eric Raffin up. 9/1 Concerto du Ruel (4g Prince Gede-Jacarendine) was second for David Thomain and trainer Franck Anne. 26/1 Codie de Beaulieu (4f Oyonnax-Melody d’Arcy) was third after the placings.
Thomas H. Hicks