by Thomas Hedlund

Sébastien Guarato-trained champion trotter Bold Eagle (Ready Cash) tried his luck in $193,000 Prix Réne Balliere at Vincennes racetrack in Paris last Sunday and Björn Goop led every step of the 1.3 miles long race with the 8-year-old stallion.

From post one behind the gate, Bold Eagle opened quickly for the lead while first choice Looking Superb went off stride when the car accelerated. Looking Superb found his right gait soon afterwards and driver Jean-Michel Bazire sent his horse to connect with the leader midway into the race.

Bold Eagle fought well in front and held his opponents behind him in a mile rate of 1:53. Looking Superb held strongly for the silver medal while Detroit Castelets finished very quickly far outside for third place.

Elitloppet winner Dijon went off stride in the back of Bold Eagle 150 meters into the race.

Bold Eagle pushed his life earnings to $5,175,338 and it might be possible that the star shows up in northern Europe later on this season.

From France it’s reported that Bazire’s runner up from Elitloppet this year, Aubrion du Gers, will aim for the International Trot at Yonkers on Oct. 12. According to French media, Paris-Turf, Bazire will make the trip overseas himself to drive the 9-year-old gelding in New York.

Bold Eagle replay.

Adielsson hits 5,000 career wins

Swedish top driver Erik Adielsson reached 5,000 career victories on Wednesday last week at Solvalla racetrack.

Adielsson started his driving career in south of Sweden, at Jägersro racetrack in Malmö, at young age and was soon entrusted with top horses from many Swedish trainers. In 1995, at the age of 20, Adielsson drove Easy Lover in an elimination heat of Hambletonian.

During the last 13-15 years, Adielsson has had Stockholm and Solvalla as base for his business and he is an habitual stakes races driver in his home country.

Top trainer Svante Båth usually uses Adielsson behind his horses and together they’ve won many of the biggest races for the 3- and 4-year-old horses in Sweden.

Jorma Kontio, Olle Goop, Björn Goop, Jim Frick, Stig H Johansson, Åke Svanstedt, Örjan Kihlström and Ulf Ohlsson have all reached more than 5,000 victories in Sweden.

‘When you look at all the names that have entered this club, you cannot be anything else than humble and honored. It’s not that easy to reach 5,000 wins. Harness racing is more fun than ever for the moment and I can’t think of a better way of living and working. I’m satisfied with my life and I get the chances to drive great horses. Swedish harness racing is on top regarding good horses and drivers,” Adielsson said to Swedish media after he hit the milestone.