Hooker Berry impresses in Grand Prix d’Amerique
Driven by Oliver Briffa, Azur Des Caillons won Sunday’s major event at the Marsa Racetrack.
This was a class Premier race organised on a short distance of 2140m and which formed part of the 3rd meeting of the season consisting of nine races all for trotters.
Twelve trotters lined up in the only class Premier race on the card. Azur Des Caillons (Oliver Briffa) was the fastest horse at first, opening a small lead from D’Artagnan France (Jesmar Gafa’) and Coeur De Loup (Rodney Gatt). Azur Des Caillons led all the way and past the finishing post first by a length from Winner Bac (Shawn Axisa) and Cristal Pierji (George Attard). Blackaro (Dylan Gatt) ended in fourth place.
The winner clocked an average time of 1.15.6” per kilometer. Another meeting at the Marsa Racetrack will be held next Sunday. The first race should start at 1.30pm.
Also on Sunday, the 2023 edition of the prestigious Grand Prix d’Amerique was held at the Vincennes Racetrack in Paris.
This event was won by French trotter Hooker Berry under the guidance of popular French trainer and driver Jean Michel Bazire.
Sixteen horses took part in this race on a long distance of 2700m. Hooker Berry increased its speed on the outside in the last 400m and triumphed in an average time of 1.11.7” per kilometer. Ampia Mede SM (Franck Nivard) finished second from Italiano Vero (David Thomain) and Hip Hop Haufor (Christian Bigeon).
This was Bazire’s fifth win in the Grand Prix d’Amerique.
He had also won this event in 1999 with American mare Moni Maker, in 2004 with Kesaco Phedo, in 2015 with Up And Quick and in 2019 with Belina Josselyn.
Sunday’s winners
Race 1. Class Copper. Dist – 2140m. 1. Ideal Pierji (Jesmar Gafa’) – 1.16.3”
Race 2. Class Bronze. Dist – 2140m. 1. Ulk Du Hauty (Alessio Magro) – 1.16.9”
Race 3. Class Copper. Dist – 2140m. 1. Herington Williams (Redent Magro) – 1.17.1”
Race 4. Class Silver. Dist – 2140m. 1. Diamant Du Ruel (Jesmar Gafa’) – 1.15”
Race 5. Class Gold. Dist – 2140m. 1. Caviar Du Vivier (George Attard) – 1.15.5”
Race 6. Class Gold. Dist – 2140m. 1. Bailiff (Nathaniel Barbara) – 1.16.3”
Race 7. Class Premier. Dist – 2140m. 1. Azur Des Caillons (Oliver Briffa) – 1.15.6”
Race 8. Class Gold. Dist – 2140m. 1. Appreciated (Rodney Gatt) – 1.14.6”
Race 9. Class Bronze. Dist – 2140m. 1. Givre Nonantais (Cherise Farrugia) – 1.15.5”
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