by Thomas Hedlund

Knockonwood (Ready Cash) took the first win for his new trainer when the $100,000 Prix de Geneve was held at Enghien on Saturday (Aug. 3) afternoon. The 4-year-old Ready Cash son was sold at Vincennes in January and his new trainer Romain Christian Larue has frequently been in the bike. Knockonwood began with six consecutive starts without one single Euro in earnings, but in his race prior to Saturday’s event, he was in better shape as runner up in Prix de Milan.

Yoann Lebourgeois drove Knockonwood at Enghien on Saturday and the duo hit the lead at an early stage, which proved to be the easiest way to claim the trophy. 

The mile rate was a strong 1:56 over 1.7 miles. Replayhere.

Three-year-old trotters chased the top prize in the $100,000 Prix de Berlin and heavy favorite Frank Gio, who entered the race with four wins in five lifetime starts, could never challenge leader Luciano Menuet (Feliciano), who was sent to the lead shortly after the start by Yoann Lebourgeois. Philippe Allaire’s horse held Frank Gio behind him all the way and Luciano Menuet won in a mile rate of 1:59.4. Replay here.

ÅBY WORLD GRAND PRIX FIELD IS SET

Åby racetrack in Sweden plays host to one of the biggest harness racing events ever in Europe, at least when it comes to the purse for Saturday’s (Aug. 10) $1,050,000 World Grand Prix.

This year’s race has attracted 10 horses and Åby made a late decision regarding the number of horses in the race since late scratches were announced. Joviality declined two weeks ago. Önas Prince and Inmarosa both scratched on Saturday (Aug. 3).

Instead of 12 trotters in the 3,140 meters long race, Åby decided to let 10 horses battle for the big check and the last horse invited was Johan Untersteiner’s Get A Wish. 

Elitloppet winner Horsy Dream will defend the French colors. He starts from post 7, while the two top trotters from Sweden, Francesco Zet and San Moteur, drew posts 1 and 2, respectively.

ÅBY WORLD GRAND PRIX 2024

3,140 meters

Horse — Trainer

1. Francesco Zet — Daniel Redén

2. San Moteur — Björn Goop

3. Oracle Tile — Kristian Malmin

4. High On Pepper — Katja Melko

5. Gamin Jaba — Daniel Redén

6. Barck Face — Adrian Kolgjini

7. Horsy Dream — Pierre Belloche

8. Hades de Vandel — Paul Hagoort

9. Get A Wish — Johan Untersteiner

10. Banderas Bi — Alessandro Gocciadoro