182-1 longshot wins Leg 1 of Trophee Vert

The 182/1 odds outsider Feline de Calvi (9f Tag Wood-Querida du Gade) rallied to the lead approaching the final bend and led thereafter to score in the first leg of the Trophee Vert series, named the Prix de la Ville d’Ecommoy (purse 50,000€, 2750 meters distance handicap, 18 starters on the turf at Ecommoy, France on Sunday (March 31).

Timed in 1.22.2kr over the soft grass the winner was reined by Noe Perron for trainer Loic Vaubert and owner Rudolphe Rucinski to her eighth career victory in 95 starts for 181,420€ earned.

The 2/1 odds second favorite Harry Carisaie (7g Viking de Val) was indeed second traveling an extra 25 meters and reined ty Benjamin Rochard for Jacques Etienne Thuet, the breeder/owner/trainer. Galeo d’Amaro (8g Rapide du Bois) was third at 16/1 for Robin Lamy driving for trainer/owner Loic Vauvert. The 50- meter handicapped Gitano (8g Tucson) off at 1.7/1 odds finished fourth for driver Theo Duvaldestin with 67/1 Feline de Lavau (8g Opus Viervil) landing fifth with Florian Joseph her pilot.

To watch the race replay, click here.

On the undercard was the Prix Barilllet (purse 21,000€, 2750 meters distance handicap, 17 starters all ages 5-6). Here the Jean Philippe Dubois driven Just An Artiist (5f Prodigious-Real Artist-Love You) led throughout to win in 1.16.7kr. Philippe Moulin trains this one for Duibois’ Ecurie Victoria Dreams, the winner’s third career victory in 28 starts. Finishing second was 25-meter handicapped Jade d’Amour (5f Carat Williams) with Banjamin Rochard the pilot for trainer Marc Sassier.

Yesterday it was announced that Hohneck (7m Royal Dream-Caranca-Ready Cash-Sanawa) was the fourth named invitee to the 2024 Elitlopped. The one- time winner from 56 starts has earned 2,277,005€. Last year he won the Elite Race final timed in 1.08.9kr over the 1609 meters autostart course, He was second in his elimination at Solvalla. In October 2023 Hohneck won the UET Final in 1.10.1kr over 2140 meters also at Solvalla. Gabriele Gelormini has been driving this Philippe Allaire owned and trained performer.

Hippodrome d’Eccomoy, Trotteur Francais, Elitloppet files/photos

by Thomas H. Hicks, for Harnesslink