Timoko wins Grand Prix de France

February 8, 2015 – The Gr. I International UET Masters Series Grand Prix de France (€400,000, 2100 meters autostart, 13 starters) went to 6/1 Timoko (8m Imoko – Kiss Me Coulonces – And Arifant) with Bjorn Goop piloting for harness racing trainer/owner Richard Westerink.

This 25^th career victory for Timoko increased his earnings to €3,145,478.

Timoko was away alertly, yielded to Texas Charm that appeared to be a winner at the top of the stretch with several lengths advantage, and then the game Timoko wore down his rival nearing the line for a narrow victory.

The winner was clocked in 1.11.4kr off even fractions (1.10.3kr at 1500; 1.10.8kr at 1000; 1.11kr at 500). Texas Charm (8m Cygnus d’Odyssee – Kamela Charm) was second for 22 year-old Julien Dubois and trainer Philippe Moulin (Ecurie Victoria Dreams owner) with 167/1 outsider Linda de Casei (10f Uronometro – Comtesse Ferm) rallying third for trainer/driver Alessandro Gocciadoro, the one from Italy. 21/1 Tiego d’Etang (6m Chaillot – Harolene) ended fourth for trainer/driver Christian Bigeon with early pegs sitting Maven (6f Glidemaster – M Stewart) fifth at 15/1 for pilot Johnny Takter. 

The 4/5 favorite Up And Quick raced second over on the outer for most of the contest and appeared to be struggling before going off-stride off the final turn.

Also disqualified for miscues were Vanika du Ruel and Kadett CD.

Solvato finished sixth, Severino seventh and  defending champion Noras Bean ended eighth.

The race was the Quinte+ race of the day.

We’ll be back with coverage of today’s card shortly.

Thomas H. Hicks