Paris, France — The 6-year-old French trotter Hooker Berry, with trainer/driver Jean Michel Bazire, came from behind to post an easy victory in the Prix d’Amerique on Sunday (Jan. 29) in Paris. Hooker Berry was timed in 1:55.2 (mile rate) and earned 450,000 Euro for the win.

The 6-year-old French trotter Hooker Berry posted an easy victory in the Prix d’Amerique. ATG/Kanal 75 photo.

Swedish trotter Don Fanucci Zet, with Yoann Lebourgeois, was in command most of the trip, but tired down the stretch and finished sixth. This was his first race since Oct. 10, 2022.

Second behind Hooker Berry was the Italian mare Ampia Mede SM, with Franck Nivard, who was last in the field until 450 meters to go. She finished like a rocket, but was not able to catch Hooker Berry.

Hooker Berry is a grandson to well-known Love You as his sire is Booster Winner. The dam of Hooker Berry is Osaka Berry, she by Caballio in Blue.

This was the fifth time Jean Michel Bazire won the Prix d’Amerique. He won in 1999 with Moni Maker, in 2004 with Kesaco Phedo, in 2015 with Up and Quick and in 2019 with Belina Josselyn.