Sweden’s Readly Express, driven by Björn Goop, came form behind to win the prestigious Grand Criterium de Vitesse de la Cote d’Azur at Cagnes sur Mer in southern France Sunday afternoon (March 10).

Readly Express wins the Grand Criterium powerfully. Gerard Forni photo.

Readly Express, who back in January won the Prix d’Amerique, raced for the first time ever over a mile.

Goop eased him from start while outsider Dijon with Romain Derieux was fast away followed by second choice Bold Eagle driven by Franck Nivard.

Bold Eagle was parked outside the leader but faded round the last corner and became rough gaited and for the first time ever in France Bold Eagle was disqualified and placed last.

Dijon looked like a winner as the field turned for home, but Goop managed to find an overdrive on Readly Express, who finished strong on the outside to win by a length equaling the race record of 1.50.4. Dijon finished second and rank outsider Bahia Quesnot with Junior Guelpa (98-1) finished third.

Readly Express will now be headed for the Elitlopp at Solvalla and that will be his last race in his career as he will go to stud at the Menhammar Stud in Sweden.

Dijon will go to Naples, Italy to race in the Gran Premio delle Lotteria.

And Bold Eagle?

The future is in question.

Was he sick? Will he return to action later, but will the vet find him OK? Will he have raced for the last time?

Time will tell.