Football World Champion in 1998, Lionel Charbonnier became a horse consultant on RMC. Here is his passionate look at the Prix d’Amérique Opodo Finale EpiqE Series.
Having become a full-time coach, Lionel Charbonnier, an international goalkeeper from the A.J. Auxerre, with whom he achieved the double Coupe de France / Championnat de France, has a passion for horses and races. Owner of gallopers, whom he even dragged a time, he always resides in a Haras, and devotes to the trotters an unlimited admiration. The Prix d’Amérique Opodo concerns it necessarily.
WHAT DOES THE PRIX D’AMERIQUE REPRESENT FOR YOU?
It’s like a World Cup final! I like the trot because the trotters are real athletes, hard to effort. And then, I find that the qualification system of the EpiqE Series, this year, is great. Bettors and enthusiasts could see all the horses running before the event itself, evaluating them on high-performance and selective races. And then, the Prix d’Amérique is an incredible moment when the audience is fabulous, with supporters from all regions of France encouraging their favorite horse. It’s an atmosphere worthy of a big event, like a World Cup final.
A MEMORABLE REMEMBER OF THE AMERICAN PRIZE?
It was the first time I came to Vincennes where I was invited to see this race. I saw a very small horse named Général du Pommeau, alone, very tiny, among the others. He had an incredible footwork and a champion mind. He won, and the public vibrated. Like when a Little Thumb removes a big one in French Football Cup. The average French worships when the little one wins.
WHERE WILL YOU SUNDAY?
On site and I rejoice. I have to interview and comment on RMC, and I will be at the heart of the action. All that I love.
(Source: Turfcom, picture: Scoopdyga)
