The joy of Matthieu Abrivard after his victory in the Prix de France with Vivid Wise As, this Sunday February 13 at the Hippodrome de Vincennes, was particularly infectious.
No tears, like a fortnight ago in the Prix d'Amérique with the entourage of Davidson du Pont, but big smiles.
“This Prix de France is one of the biggest races in the French program, says the winning driver.
After winning the Prix de Paris, I'm ready for America now (laughs).
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This prestigious success, with the key to the race record (kilometre reduction of 1′09′'7), comes at a pivotal moment in the career of the 36-year-old professional.
A week ago, the latter hung up his mounted jockey boots after his third place with Bahia Quesnot in the Prix de l'Île-de-France.
Sunday's coronation allows Nathalie Henry's companion to comfort him in his decision.
Present on Friday evening, at the Parc des Princes, to watch PSG's victory over Stade Rennes (1-0), the driver joked: "I told Baptiste Santamaria (Rennes player and horse owner) that I was going to win the race”.
“It is a great satisfaction”
Also overjoyed, the owner of Vivid Wise As, Antonio Somma, was full of praise for his protege: “Vivid is a true champion.
It is also a beautiful consolation.
In pronouncing these words, the manager of Scuderia Bivans obviously thinks of his other star, Face Time Bourbon, who ended his career a few days before the Prix d'Amérique due to a physical problem.
On the winners' podium there was therefore a strong Italian accent around Miss France, Diane Leyre, who came, as tradition dictates, to reward the winners.
Alongside the Neapolitan, coach Alessandro Gocciadoro was also thrilled.
"The horse had taken its Prix d'Amérique race well by staying at the Grosbois training center," said the man who also placed Vitruvio in fifth place in the race.
It's a great satisfaction, because it's my first Group I success in France…”
A few hours after the demonstration of Vivid Wise As, the latter received his invitation for the Elitloppet, the queen event of Swedish trotting, which will be contested on May 29th.
The organizers of this prestigious event fell in love with the demonstration of the Italian trotter.
Second in the 2021 edition, Vivid will try to win this year.
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