Race presentation – 22.06.2024
The Prix de Normandie as the final of finals
There will be sixteen candidates for the Prix de Normandie – Etrier 5 ans Finale (Gr.1). The race which has long been the ultimate classic climb reserved for the 5-year-old generation is now extended by another Group 1 dedicated to the same generation, the Prix Jag de Bellouet – Cornulier Races Q2 (Gr.1), positioned at month of December. The 2024 edition promises to be both open and challenging. There are in fact four classic winners at the start and others who are impatiently awaiting the opportunity to win a title of this importance. This is enough to make the event the final of finals for the promotion of “J”.
IFirstly, there is a question of perfect parity at the start of the 2024 Prix de Normandie with eight females against eight males. The event has been dominated by females since 2016 and the success of Beautiful France (Blue Dream). L’an dernier, Ina du Rib (Uhlan du Val) added the new race record to his title by achieving the kilometer reduction of 1’11”6 over the 3,000 meters of the big track.
The 2024 edition could, once again, feature a female with the candidacy of Joumba de Guez (Carat Williams). The daughter of Quoumba de Guez (Urfist des Prés), brilliant winner of the Prix Jag de Bellouet – Cornulier Race Q2 (Gr.1) on December 17, then benefited from a break before returning nicely to competition in the spring. Having gained in condition over the course of her races, she has just taken the runner-up position in the Prix Victor Cavey – Etrier 5 Ans Q3 (Gr.2) and looks like a serious contender for the title. But she is far from being the only one who can access the throne and she will find strong opponents on her way. The first of these could be his stablemate, Jasper of Charms (Kesaco Phedo). Not seen under the saddle since his victory in the Prix du Président de la République – Étrier 4 Ans Finale (Gr.1) in 2023, he remains on two disqualifications in the harness. The fact remains that all his preparation is focused on this Prix de Normandie and that his condition is safe. The resident of Jean-Michel Bazire will be associated for the first time with Alexandre Abrivard, who quickly regained his sensations in ridden trotting a few weeks after his return to competition. After Jirella (Cèdre du Vivier) in 2002, Kesaco Phedo (Horse In Blue) in 2003 et Nomad Of The Digeon (Alpha Barbès) in 2006, Jean-Michel Bazire seems to have the necessary cards to register his name a 4th time on the Normandy prize list.
The list of Group 1 winners at the start
◆ I like football (1): Saint-Léger des Trotteurs (Gr.1)
◆ Jessy de Banville (1): Prix de Vincennes (Gr.1)
◆ Jasper of Charms (1): Prize of the President of the
République – Stirrup 4 Years Final (Gr.1)
◆ Joumba de Guez (1) : Prix Jag de Bellouet – Cornulier Races Q1 (Gr.1)
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