For the second time ever two of Europe’s top trotters, Aubrion du Gers and Bold Eagle (both of France), met and just like the first time, “the world’s best gelding” Aubrion du Gers, with Jan Michel Bazire, proved to be the best.

On Wednesday afternoon (May 15) the scene was set for the match at the track in Caen in Normandy, France. The distance was 1-1/2 miles at the right-handed course, which is nearly 1-1/4 miles long.

Aubrion du Gers was timed in 1:56.3 (mile rate) and picked up the winner’s purse of $65,500. Gerard Forni photo.

After the first quarter, Aubrion du Gers was in command with Bold Eagle (for the first time with Swedish driver Björn Goop in the bike) just behind him. With a half-mile to go, Bugsy Malone with Yoann Lebourgeois came up outside Bold Eagle.

Bazire controlled the race and Aubrion du Gers won easily, while Bold Eagle first found racing room around 75 yards before the finish line to finish second.

Aubrion du Gers was timed in 1:56.3 (mile rate) and picked up the winner’s purse of $65,500.

Aubrion du Gers and Bold Eagle first time met in September 2017 at Vincennes in the UET Masters Trot final, where Aubrion du Gers also proved to be the best.

Aubrion du Gers will now be headed to Solvalla and will race in the Elitlopp with Jos. Verbeeck in the bike.

Bold Eagle will go for Sweden this summer, but not for the Elitlopp. Bold Eagle will race in the Abergs at Jägersro in late July and the Aby Great Prize in early August at Aby.