Face Time Bourbon wins, Ecurie D in USA

Face Time Bourbon (6m Ready Cash-Vita Bourbon) easily took the Grand Prix de Wallonie (purse 120,000€, 2300 meters autostart, 10 starters in this Gr. I contest) timed in 1.13.1kr over an off track at Mons, France.

This was the 16^th Gr. I victory for FTB as he record victory 33 in 39 career starts now for 3,050,340€ earned. FTB raced without shoes in front. He was driven by Eric Raffin for trainer Sébastien Guarato. It was the second straight year the race was won by Face Time Bourbon.

This day he was away mid-pack before surging to the lead from then pacesetter Drole de Jet. He steadily widened the gap on rivals to defeat Ce Bello Romain (9g Jam Pridem-Miss Echo Bella) handled by Anthony Barrier for owner/trainer S.G. DuPont.

“I enjoyed myself from start to finish,” Said Raffin. “You have to take advantage of those moments. Thank you Face Time!”

Rebella Matters (6f Explosive Matter-Mystical News) closed well for third for pilot Joseph Verbeeck, trainer Jean Michel Bazire and Stall T.R.S. Rebell. Et Voila de Muze and Cicero Noa completed the top five. FTB signifies the term “What a Horse”.

On another front it has been reported that Ecurie D is in North America and will likely appear on the racetrack in early September. The 5-year-old Danish bred son of Infinitif and To Soon by Muscles Yankee, in Europe was trained by Frode Hamre, and appeared in 21 races with 15 victories with a record of 1.09.4 in 2021. This winner of the European Championship of three year olds has passed the quarantine period and begun preparation with Ake Svanstedt.

His debut at the Maple Leaf Trot in Toronto on September 4 is anticipated, followed by the Dayton Derby on October 2 and at Lexington on October 10 in the Allerage Trot. That will be followed by the TVG Final at the Meadowlands on November 20 if Ecurie D can handle that that tough FFA program.

LeTrot and Facebook posted files/photos

by Thomas H. Hicks, for Harnesslink