In spite of several recalls, the matchup lived up to expectations, with Readly Express finally coming out on top against Bold Eagle.
In spite of three recalls, one caused by fav Bold Eagle and another by much fancied Propulsion, the race got off to a hard-hitting start with future winner Readly Express straight up there with the leaders. It was the case for most of the favs, with Propulsion, Bold Eagle. and Readly Express all well placed but covered two wide as they went uphill. In the final bend, Björn Goop edged his partner out and flew for home, with Franck Nivard and Bold Eagle, in his wake. In the straight, it was a fantastic tussle to witness, the race of a lifetime, as the two favs drew clear neck and neck. Althoughgetting headed 50 metres out, Sweden’s little darling stuck his heels in to reel the Frenchman back in by a nose! An unforgettable fight between the two Ready Cash colts.
So four years after Maharajah, Sweden steals the limelight again in the Grand Prix d’Amérique. “It’s hard describing how I feel,” declared winning pilot Björn Goop .” I cried on the sulky, as winning this race is the dream of a lifetime. Bold Eagle was in the pocket behind me, but my horse just keeps on going.”
Readly Express matches Bold Eagle’s winning time clocked last year (1’11’’2). Franck Nivard. commented: “I had a dream of a trip, and I’d thought I’d win in the straight. But Readly Express is a phenomal horse and dug his heels in. reparti. There’s no shame inbeing beaten by a champ like Readly Express, and he’s a year younger than mine too”
After tracking Bird Parker, Propulsion finished really well to take 3rd spot ahead of Bélina Josselyn and Briac Dark.
View the Grand Prix d’Amérique here
