Idao de Tillard sets French record in Prix de Washington
by Thomas Hedlund
Idao de Tillard added another milestone to his remarkable career Saturday (July 11), lowering the French all-age mile record with a commanding 1:49.2 victory in the $125,000 Prix de Washington at Enghien. With Théo Duvaldestin making his first drive behind the superstar in more than three years, the son of Severino blasted to the front early and never looked back.
Although trainer Thierry Duvaldestin hadn’t necessarily planned to race on the lead, circumstances dictated the strategy.
“We really hadn’t planned on taking the lead immediately, but we didn’t have much choice,” Thierry said. “I wasn’t exactly sure what Théo was going to do because we hadn’t discussed the tactics very much beforehand. I simply told him, ‘If you end up parked, don’t worry — trust the horse.’ He kept up a strong pace, negotiated the turn comfortably, and then they both sprinted home. Go On Boy is a tremendously tough horse.”
The outcome was largely decided during the opening half-mile when Go On Boy was forced to race three-wide before eventually reaching the outside of the leader. That difficult trip left the defending Prix de Washington champion with too much ground to make up.
Idao de Tillard still had plenty left turning for home and held Go On Boy safely at bay through the stretch, crossing the wire one length in front. The 1:49.2 victory is the fastest mile ever trotted on French soil.
Go On Boy was a determined second despite his taxing journey, while Rikita JP (Mister JP) closed well to finish third.
Thierry was quick to praise his longtime rival after the race.
“You really have to tip your hat to Go On Boy,” he said. “He fought us every step of the way. I think the trip made the difference in our favor, but we’re incredibly happy. This victory means a great deal to us emotionally. Idao de Tillard delivered a tremendous performance, never made a mistake, and once again showed that his speed is his greatest weapon. I hope he can keep racing as long as Go On Boy has. As he gets older, I think he can become a true specialist at these one-mile races.”
Replay here.
GIO CASH SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS ÅRJÄNG SPRINT TITLE
Defending champion Gio Cash rebounded in style Saturday (July 11), controlling the pace from start to finish to capture the $100,000 Årjängs Stora Sprinterlopp in 1:51.3.
The race lacked early fireworks, but the finish still provided plenty of drama.
Driver Daniel Wäjersten hustled Gio Cash (Victor Gio) to the front before the opening turn, a move that ultimately decided the outcome. Main rival Francesco Zet (Father Patrick), driven by trainer Daniel Redén, landed in the pocket, while Xanthis Harvey (Propulsion) was forced to grind away first-over.
As the field entered the stretch, Gio Cash remained full of pace, and Wäjersten’s primary concern became keeping Francesco Zet pinned along the rail. Although Gio Cash drifted outward after Wäjersten pulled the ear plugs, the favorite never found enough room to launch a serious challenge.
“It’s a great feeling,” Wäjersten said. “We knew we had a top horse coming into the race in top form, and it was nice to see him bounce back after the Elitlopp and his race in Boden. He felt terrific throughout, although he drifted out a little after I pulled the ear plugs.”
The judges’ photo confirmed Gio Cash drifted approximately one lane off the rail in deep stretch, but it had no bearing on the outcome.
Xanthis Harvey delivered one of the strongest performances of his career while battling first-over throughout, holding gamely for second. Francesco Zet, meanwhile, never found clear racing room from the pocket and had to settle for third.
Replay here.
