The American Grand Prix
Inaugurated in 1920, the Prix d'Amérique, still known as the Grand Prix d'Amérique - as a tribute to American support during the First World War - is the unmissable event for harnessed trotting. On the last Sunday of January each year, this race takes place on the Vincennes racecourse, and sees trotting foals from 4 to 10 years old, excluding geldings.
With the Elitloppet and the Hambletonian Stakes, which take place in Sweden and the United States respectively, it is one of the world's biggest harness trotting events. Its international scope is corroborated by its television broadcast in some 40 countries around the world. More than 500 accredited journalists cover the event.
The characteristics
At the start of the Prix d'Amérique, a maximum of 18 foals and fillies from 4 to 10 years old compete on a course 2,700 meters long. This international Group I equestrian event takes place under selective conditions that vary with each edition. However, the course is blocked by rays of light, which mark the starting line. Horses must start perpendicularly, after a 7-second countdown. Then, they must then turn left to take off.
This competition involves a total allowance of approximately €1,000,000, making it the most richly endowed trotting race in this discipline. In addition, with a total of accumulated bets averaging €40,000,000, this race is the most played in France each year.
