The 2022 renewal of the G1 Grand Prix d'Amérique (2700m) seemed a muted affair on paper with the late withdrawal of superstar Face Time Bourbon. However, that was certainly not the case as viewers all over the globe were treated to a nail-biting finish in France's biggest trotting race.  

The 2020 and 2021 runner-up Davidson Du Pont just prevailed in what was a well-deserved first success in the race having been beaten only by Face Time Bourbon in the last two renewals. This was a fitting prize for Davidson du Pont who was having his first official start for trainer and driver Nicolas Bazire having been in the care of Jean-Michel prior. It was a first victory in the race for a nine-year-old since the Swedish-trained Maharajah in 2014 and one that twenty-one-year-old Nicolas will surely look back on for years to come.

However, it takes two to make a brilliant horse race and Galius provided just that. The six-year-old son of Love You was expertly manoeuvred into the lead by driver Yoann Lebourgeois. The pace began to steady down the far side of the track with Galius and race favourite Etonnant, controlling the tempo. That said, none had a better track position than Nicolas Bazire and Davidson du Pont as the pair stalked the leading duo throughout. It is possible driver Nicolas Bazire was slightly caught out by the ferocious kick that Galius produced at the top of the final turn, leaving the twice runner-up with plenty to find as they entered the back straight. With approximately five-lengths to make up well into the straight it looked more than likely the bird had flown, but Nicolas Bazire and his partner were not to be denied, getting up in the dying strides by the narrowest of margins. The Thierry Duvaldestin-trained Flamme du Goutier was always too far back to be seriously involved but stayed on late to grab third producing an extremely creditable performance given her success in the mounted G1 Prix de Cornulier (2700m) just a week ago. Meanwhile connections of Vivid Wise As will be just as delighted with an excellent run back in fourth.

It was a fifth career Group One success for Davidson du Pont following wins in the 2020 Prix de France (2100m), the 2018 Prix de l'Etoile (2200m), Critérium des 5 ans (3000m), and Prix de Sélection (2200m).

The race was officially the fourth fastest renewal to date with a kilometre rating of 1'11''3.

Izoard Védaquais asserted himself as one of the most exciting prospects in French trotting by brushing aside thirteen rivals with the minimum of fuss in the G1 Sulky World Cup 4 Ans - Prix Ourasi (2700m). The success silenced any doubters following his shock defeat in the G1 Critérium des 3 Ans (2700m) as he comfortably reversed form with Idylle Speed (finished seventh) and became champion four-year-old in the process. It marked a thirteenth career victory from fourteen starts for the Philippe Allaire-trained sensation and it is now clear to see how much ability and potential this breath-taking youngster holds.

Positioned in midfield early by Eric Raffin the son of Bird Parker settled into a lovely rhythm. However, driver Eric Raffin seemed dissatisfied with the pace and made a forward move to take up the running after just 700m had passed. This proved decisive as the pair continued to stretch their advantage and burn off rivals one by one. Izoard Védaquais entered the straight full of running and whilst many of the other drivers were furiously shaking their reigns, Eric Raffin had barely asked his mount to get out of second gear. A glance across the track, and a leisurely look up at the big screen was all that was needed to see he had the steadily finishing Idao de Tillard and eventual runner-up covered. It was a performance that made even the very best take note.

The form of the race looks strong with stablemate and three-time Italian Group One winner Callmethebreeze, finishing back in third. After the race driver Eric Raffin even suggested he had the making to be a G1 Grand Prix d'Amerique horse down the line, praise that should not go unnoticed.

The third and final Group One on the card went the way of Havanaise who bounced back to form from a disappointing effort in the G1 Critérium Continental (2100m) in December.

Well-positioned early by driver Franck Nivard she travelled within herself for most of the duration. Tucked away on the inside saving ground Franck Nivard soon manoeuvred his mare towards the outside to allow for a cleaning sweeping run once entering the back straight, something which eventual runner-up Hooker Berry was not able to do. That said the daughter of Ricimer showed a good attitude to see off the challengers in what proved an enterprising drive by Franck Nivard.

It was a first success at the highest-level for Havanaise and it remains early enough in her career to think further Group One glory could be in sight. The victory allows the silks of Jean-Baptiste Bossuet and owners Ec. Ténor to shine at the top-level once more. A special accomplishment given François-Pierre, his son, trained his second Group One winner a little over a month after winning the G1 Critérium des 3 Ans (2700m) with Idyle Speed.