Let it be said, the Prix des Ducs de Normandie becomes a real “preparatory” for the Elitloppet, the equivalent of the Prix d’Amérique in Sweden, on May 26. Fifteen days before, this Saturday May 11, 2024, the big cavalry of Vincennes arrives at the Prairie racecourse, in Caen, for the most anticipated race of the year.
The attraction has a name: Idao de Tillard winner of the 2024 Prix d’Amérique. Worthy successor to Ready Cashthe “Mbappé of harnessed trotting” is writing his legend and it is an event to see him in Caen, where his story began, when we remember that his trainer, Thierry Duvaldestin, bought him €27,000 at the October 2019 sales.
On his way, he will find Hohneck, title holder of the Dukes and… the Elitloppet. When we know thatIdao and Philippe Allaire’s supersonic racing car will be among the main favorites in two weeks in Sweden, this is a gala match. Especially sinceHokkaido Jiel, second in the Prix d’Amérique, will also be there. However, the revelation of the winter meeting will not be spared.
A winner of the Prix d’Amérique can hide another
Before the closing of the starters, the entry list is dense and first rate. It will certainly be a very nice Quinté + on Saturday, with the supposed presence ofHooker Berrywinner of the 2023 Prix d’Amérique, Izoard Vedaquais, Elvis du Vallon, Ganay de Banville, Gamay de l’Iton, Gaspar de Brion…
The day looks set to be superb overall, as three other group level races are on the programme. The Henri Ballière Prize, with Kyt Kat for example, or the William the Conqueror Prize with Koctel du Dain.
Thousands of spectators should still fill the racecourse for this day which promises to be magnificent. The Trot speaks of“racetrack party” with concerts, food trucks and children’s village.
Good to know: program and invitations can be downloaded in our daily newspaper by scanning a QR Code, or on the Trot website.
