Every year, the end of January is marked by a major event in the world of trotting: the Grand Prix d’Amérique. It crowns the world’s fastest horses at this pace and the best drivers.
The history of the Grand Prix d’Amérique and the four “B “s
First of all, let’s explain its name. This harness trotting race was created in 1920, shortly after the First World War. It was named in honor of American aid to France during the war.
Then, to qualify for the “world championships” in harness trotting, horses (aged 4 to 10) must first take part in the “four Bs” as they are known in the trade:
- Prix de Bretagne
- Prix du Bourbonnais
- Prix de Bourgogne
- the Prix de Belgique
The top three finishers in each of these races qualify directly. The winners of the Critérium Continental and Prix Ténor de Baune also qualify. The remaining four places will be awarded to the most endowed horses of the moment.
The 18 competitors (maximum) who take the start will be competing for 1 million in prize money. The winner will receive 450,000 euros and 50% of the entry fees, while the next six will share the rest of the winnings.
Every year, some 40,000 people flock to the Vincennes racecourse to watch the race. The atmosphere is grandiose, with events such as :
- Parades of drivers on cars and motorcycles
- Equestrian stunts
- Pony races
- Celebrity appearances
The Bold Eagle Saga
A major part of Prix d’Amérique history, Bold Eagle stands out from the crowd with 2 wins (2016 and 2017) and a second place (2018) in the legendary race. He is also one of the very few horses to have won the Prix d’Amérique, Prix de France and Prix de Paris in succession and in the same month, symbolized by the triple crown (2017). In 2019, he will once again take to the starting line of the GPA to make history. It’s impossible to talk about Bold Eagle without mentioning his entourage. First of all, there’s his driver Franck Nivard, who in 2018 distinguished himself once again by winning the European Drivers’ Champion title in Scandinavia. And then there’s his trainer, Sébastien Guarato, who landed his first GPA in 2016. He runs the Haras de la Meslerie in Normandy.
The Vincennes Stallion Show
Every year, the Stallion Expo is held on the occasion of the Grand Prix d’Amérique sale, two days before the race. A major event for all Trotting enthusiasts and professionals. Over 8,000 people attend each edition. The event is organized by France’s leading horse auctioneer, Arqana. More specifically, Arqana Trot in terms of their activities at Vincennes. The agency is also known for its prestigious Thoroughbred yearling sales in Deauville.
Owners, breeders, trainers and private enthusiasts come together to discover the latest in trotting products and services.
The show features over 120 exhibitors, with stud farms at the forefront, promoting their breeding stock and enabling breeders to book studs. In addition, there are numerous stands offering a wide range of activities:
- stud farm development
- track stable construction
- feed
- dietetics
- saddlery
- bodywork
- fittings
- stable accessories
- clothing
- information technology
- insurance
- fencing
- sulkies
- walkers
- trade press
