Even in typically cold, damp, and drizzly January weather, a trip to Paris for the Prix d'Amerique should be on the short list for anyone who loves harness racing. The Prix d'Amerique is inarguably the world's greatest and most challenging trotting race. I was again fortunate to be included in a large contingent of Norwegian trotting fans for the weekend's racing events. I stayed in the Courtyard by Marriott Gare de Lyon, which is conveniently located near train and Metro stations. Our driver Erik Samuelsen expertly chauffeured us around Paris and Vincennes in a large three-row van. We started our holiday with a trip to the Vincennes racetrack for their annual exhibition. Breeding farms advertising their stallions, vendors presenting their veterinary and racing products, auction services, and bloodstock agents competed for our attention.
That evening we attended the Arqana Prix d'Amerique Mixed Sale. We saw many wonderful horses going through the auction, but were content to drink champagne and enjoy the action as spectators. The following day, we made our usual pilgrimage to Chateau de Grosbois where France maintains an amazing training facility for trotting horses that can only be described as an equine paradise. Grosbois provides not only outstanding stables and an amazing number of training tracks and trails for the horses, but also comfortable living facilities for trainers and grooms at very reasonable prices. We visited a number of training stables before having a very good cafeteria lunch in the track kitchen. Our group then attended the races at Vincennes before enjoying a great dinner with Marianne Simonnot of LeTrot and Christian LeBarbey of International Trot Services.
Sunday of course brought the grand spectacle of the Prix d'Amerique! As always, the crowd was huge and enthusiastic. The Prix d'Amerique is named in honor of the sacrifice of the American Expeditionary Force in support of the French during WW1. Both French and American flags are liberally distributed to the fans, who wave them enthusiastically during the races. Our group had a comfortable table in the dining room and enjoyed a gourmet meal. The competition promised to be fierce. The likely favorite Idao de Tillard (#18) was victorious in last year's race, though his racing form declined later in the season. The extremely fast 2024 Elitloppet winner Horsy Dream was unfortunately sidelined with an injury. Half brothers Go On Boy (#16) and Josh Power (#7) were significant threats, and 2023 winner Hooker Berry (#17) returned for another chance at victory. The field included many other prominent horses, including 2021 Elitloppet winner Don Fanucci Zet (#14) and 2023 Prix d'Amerique runner-up Ampia Mede SM (#15).
2025 Prix d'Amerique Crowd Waving Flags
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Truls Desserud, Per Erik Hagen,
Per Otto Aagre, myself, Sigmund Vister
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The 2025 Prix d'Amerique race can be viewed here. From the start, the old war horse Don Fanucci Zet (#14) took an early lead before being pressed first by Hooker Berry (#17) and then Hussard du Landret (#11). Looming at the front of the outside third row was Idao de Tillard (#18) who firmly established his position and challenged the field to try to pass him. No one did. Coming out of the final turn, Idao de Tillard (#18) took the lead as Just Love You (#8) followed and Go On Boy (#16) launched his stretch drive from the outside. Idao de Tillard was again the determined victor, with Just Love You second and Go On Boy third. Racing enthusiasts observed that this year's victory by Idao de Tillard was even more dominant than in 2024. His second Prix d'Amerique victory secures his place in race history with other great two time winners like Ready Cash, Bold Eagle, Face Time Bourbon, Varenne, and others. His male line traces to the American Speedy Crown stallion, Royal Prestige.
Sigmund Vister, Per Otto Aagre, myself,
Hanne Lynne, Tore Borgersen, Truls Desserud
After the race, I attended the Hambletonian Society dinner at L'Ami Louis, a very famous small French bistro, with friends Per Erik Hagen, Sigmund Vister, and Per Otto Aagre. Many French and European racing dignitaries were in attendance. Tom Grossman of Blue Chip Farms gave a gracious welcoming speech. The meal of course was fabulous, including foie gras, their famous roast chicken and cut fries, salad, and desserts. I highly recommend this restaurant to any traveler who wants an authentic French bistro experience - but you must make reservations well in advance.
Monday brought the departure of my Norwegian friends. Now I had time to explore Paris. I was surprised how easy it was to navigate the very clean, well ordered Paris Metro. I no longer needed expensive taxis to access major cultural destinations! My first stop was the newly re-opened Notre Dame Cathedral, now restored to even greater beauty since the terrible fire of 2019. The spires and some external features are still under re-construction, but the interior of the cathedral is magnificent again.
I re-visited the wonderful Musee d'Orsay, featuring the works of the great pre - Impressionist and Impressionist painters such as Monet, Manet, Degas, Sisley, Cezanne, and Renoir. The Musee d'Orsay also has an extensive collection of post-Impressionist works of Van Gogh and Gauguin. When you visit, allot a minimum of 4 hours to enjoy these and other brilliant works. I also enjoyed the smaller Musee de L'Orangerie, home to Monet's giant Water Lilies panels. Afterward I had a pleasant though chilly walk in the Tuleries Garden. I ended my "Art Tour" with a visit to the Pompidou Center, the premier museum in Paris for modern art. Of these, my favorite by a large margin was the Musee d'Orsay.
I take great pleasure in wandering around cities without a definite destination. Paris is such a great place to do this. You are always passing charming cafes where you can enjoy a glass of wine with bread and perhaps some cheese, relaxing and contemplating where you might wander next.
Once again to my disappointment, I did not go up into the Eiffel Tower because of lousy weather. It was raining hard with significant winds when I arrived there. I decided to have a wonderful lunch in a nearby bistro while I awaited improvement of the weather, which unfortunately didn't occur. But this means I will have another chance to visit when I return in 2026!
Paris and the Prix d'Amerique will continue to be a yearly destination for me.
