Idao de Tillard strikes back in thrilling Prix de l’Atlantique
by Thomas Hedlund
Saturday’s (April 18) $220,000 Prix de l’Atlantique at Enghien Racecourse delivered a thrilling contest in front of a large, sun-soaked crowd — and the fans certainly got their money’s worth.
Somewhat surprisingly, Iroise de la Noe (Tornado Bello) went off as the favorite. Starting from the second row behind the gate for trainer/driver Thomas Levesque, the Prix de France winner was always likely to settle off the pace — and so she did, dropping back early as Frank Gio blasted to the lead for Matthieu Abrivard.
Behind the leader, Idao de Tillard (Severino) showed good early speed for Clément Duvaldestin and secured the pocket trip. A gap soon opened to the rest of the field, and when Josh Power broke stride in third with 1,400 meters to go, the race began to take shape. Iroise de la Noe launched a three-wide move, tracked by Go On Boy (Password) and Harmony du Rabutin (Royal Dream).
With 850 meters remaining, Duvaldestin made his move, pulling Idao de Tillard out of the pocket. Shortly after, Iroise de la Noe advanced to take over the first-over position, leaving Idao de Tillard covered up in second-over — a cool and calculated move by Duvaldestin.
That positioning proved decisive. Turning for home, Go On Boy had taken command, but once the earplugs were pulled, Idao de Tillard unleashed a powerful burst of speed.
Well before the wire, the dual Prix d’Amérique winner surged past Go On Boy to score in a 1:52.4 mile rate over 2,150 meters, setting a new race record.
Replay here.
Go On Boy finished gamely in second, while Keep Going (Follow You) showed excellent form to grab third after a ground-saving trip — despite an early break in the race.
Great news arrived later on Saturday afternoon. Thierry Duvaldestin’s horse, Idao de Tillard, was invited to Elitloppet by Solvalla’s sports general Ola Lernå and it’s a welcomed fact that Idao de Tillard will try Elitloppet once again.
The French trotter was the favorite in Elitloppet two years ago, but went off-stride that day and now his entourage is looking for revenge.
Just one hour later, Solvalla announced that Massimo Hoist (Muscle Hill) will represent Finland in Elitloppet on May 31.
HORSES INVITED FOR ELITLOPPET 2026:
Inexess Bleu — France
Go On Boy — France
Idao de Tillard — France
A Fair Day — Sweden
Jobspost — Sweden
Allegiant — Sweden
Massimo Hoist — Finland
H.C.’S CRAZY HORSE EARNS PARALYMPIATRAVET SPOT
Daniel Wäjersten sent out the favorite Mellby Jinx, but it was the hard-knocking H.C.’s Crazy Horse (S.J.’s Caviar) who came out on top in the second qualifier for the Paralympiatravet.
And there was nothing lucky about the victory — it was a genuine, tough performance.
There was solid early pace, with Björn Goop sending Norwegian contender Powwow to the front, while well-fancied High On Pepper broke stride in the opening turn. As the field approached the final bend, Magnus A. Djuse looked set to move into the first-over position, but was forced to remain three-wide when Robert Bergh angled Laredo Boko out to take over the outside of the leader.
Despite the tough trip, H.C.’s Crazy Horse proved strongest late, powering home to win in a mile rate of 1:55.1 over 2,140 meters.
Walmann, trained by Roger Walmann, finished strongly after finding late racing room but never threatened the winner, while Laredo Boko held on for third.
