Readly Express defeats Bold Eagle and Propulsion in epic Prix d’Amerique

by Karsten Bønsdorf, USTA Senior Newsroom Correspondent

The French trotting star, Bold Eagle, driven by Franck Nivard, was poised to win the Prix d’Amerique on Sunday (Jan. 28) for a third consecutive time but had to settle for second, as he was beaten by a head by his Swedish colleague, Readly Express, driven by Björn Goop. North American-bred Propulsion, driven by Ôrjan Kihlström, found racing room very late and finished strong to be third at Vincennes in Paris, France.

The winner and second place finisher were both timed in 1.54.3 (mile rate) which equals the race record set by Bold Eagle last year.

This was just the 25th race for Readly Express, who is a 6-year old, and this is his 21st win.

Readly Express and Bold Eagle are both sired by Europe’s leading stallion, Ready Cash.

It took nearly 10 minutes to get the race started as there were two recalls, forced by Bold Eagle and Propulsion, and then it took several attempts to get the field together.

Nivard, behind defending champion Bold Eagle, had his tactic ready; he would follow Readly Express and so he did. Readly Express was third-over with Bold Eagle on his tail, and with 600 meters to go, Goop made his move followed by Nivard.

Bird Parker was in command with Charly du Noyer on the outside – both sons of Ready Cash – round the last corner, but going into the stretch Readly Express took over.

Now Nivard made his move.

He took Bold Eagle to the outside and it appeared the “The Eagle” was going to fly round Readly Express.

But that was never to happen.

Readly Express would not allow Bold Eagle to go by and fought bravely for the victory.

The win was worth 450,000 Euro or $560,000 for Readly Express, who is trained by Finnish-born Timo Nurmis.

Readly Express is a mix of French and American bloodlines. His dam, Caddie Dream, is sired by Viking Kronos, who is by American Winner.