The 4-year-old French trotter Jushua Tree with trainer/driver Jean Michel Bazire won the prestigious Criterium Continental raced over 1-5/16th miles at Vincennes in a new world record of 1:52.2 (mile record).

The old record was held by Italian trotter Traders and was 1:53.1 (mile rate).

Jushua Tree, who is sired by Bold Eagle, came from behind to beat Josh Power with Sebastian Ernault (second) and Just Love You with Alexandre Abrivard (third).

The purse for the winner was 108,000 Euro and earned the winner a bye to race in the Prix d’Amerique next month. However, it is more likely that Bazire will race Jushua Tree in the Prix Bold Eagle the day before the Prix d’Amerique.

Well known Swedish mare Joviality with Benjamin Rochard was anonymous in the race and finished 10th past the post.

In the other big race on the day at Vincennes, The Prix Tenor de Baune over 1-11/16th miles with a standing start, the heavy favorite Idao de Tillard with Clement Duvaldestin fulfilled expectations and won in a new race record of 1:54.4 (mile rate). The old record was held by Excellent and was 1:55.1 (mile rate).

The winner’s purse was also 108,000 Euro and Idao de Tillard will use his bye to race in the Prix d’Amerique; in fact, he is the favorite!