The Prix de France Speed Race, the second Final of the Prix d’Amérique Races ZEturf competition, gave rise to a splendid clash on Sunday February 12 at the Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes. The Prix d’Amérique Legend Race rematch lived up to its promise as it crowned Ampia Mede SM, runners-up in the Sulky World Championship two weeks prior.
A magnificent peloton of 18 champions gave the public a breathtaking moment on the 2,100 meter speed course. Suspense, tactics and dazzling attacks sublimated the 2023 edition of the Prix de France Speed Race. Despite her very unfavorable number 9 behind the autostart, Delia du Pommereux took a flying start to take command. She was soon taken over by Don Fanucci Zet, an ambitious Swedish propelled favorite by bettors. Ampia Mede SM stands close, outside the leader. The mare driven by Franck Nivard enters the lead in the final stretch, threatened by Vivid Wise As, the defending champion. A magnificent fight then begins between the two cracks. Ampia Mede SM retains the advantage and signs a resounding revenge, two weeks after finishing second in the Prix d’Amérique Legend Race. The mare born in Italy and trained in France by Fabrice Souloy also won the first Group I of her career. Vivid Wise As ranks second in front of Hohneck, who finished remarkably, Delia du Pommereux, who did not give up to finish, and Don Fanucci Zet, courageous.
Franck Nivard, driver of the winner, took a sixth victory in the Prix de France Speed Race. He was obviously delighted at the Equidia microphone: “The mare deserved to win. She could have already won the Prix d’Amérique with a little more luck. She didn’t give up on the straight despite the attack from Vivid Wise As. I won my sixth Prix de France, it makes me very happy. This race is the most important after the Prix d’Amérique. I am also very happy for Fabrice Souloy. We have worked together for 20 years and we are still here”.
Fabrice Souloy, the coach of Ampia Mede SM, has been fighting against the disease for several months. He couldn’t hold back his tears after the success of his mare: “It’s an immense happiness, I find it hard to speak, Franck Nivard really drove a great race“.
The trotting champions now meet the public on Sunday February 26 for the final episode of the Prix d’Amérique Races ZEturf. The Prix de Paris Marathon Race will once again arouse enthusiasm.
