Deauville, FR — French top trotter Etonnant was favored to win the prestigious French Group 2-race, Prix der Ducs de Normandie at the track in Caen for a third time – a win, who would made Etonnant historic as no trotter ever has won this race three times in a row.

But Hohneck – a 6-year-old trotter, trained by Philippe Allaire and with Gabriele Gelormini in the bike – proved to be best in the 1-1/4 mile contest and won in 1:54.2 (mile rate) followed by Hokkaido Jiel with David Thomain, while Etonnant with Anthony Barrier had to settle for third.

Hohneck – sired by Royal Dream (he by Love You) is just as Etonnant invited to race in the Elitlopp in a fortnight at Solvalla.

A third invitee, Horsy Dream with trainer/driver Pierre Belloche raced also in Caen Saturday, but went off stride and was disqualified and placed last.

In Sweden Francesco Zet, who was unbeaten in 9 races last year and among his wins had the Derby, raced for the first time this year at Umaaker in Northern Sweden.

Daniel Redén trains Francesco Zet (sired by Father Patrick), who increased his winning streak to 14 winning by a head with Ôrjan Kihlström in the bike over Castor the Star in a new record of 1.54.1f (mile rate).