A horse familiar to North American harness racing was victorious in the 2014 Prix de Bourgogone. That horse, however, wasn't Maven.

The focus of the race for the majority of the onlookers was Maven, the five-year-old making her French debut along with driver Yannick Gingras. (Yes, that was Gingras driving...and wearing the colours of trainer Jimmy Takter.)

Gingras settled Maven down to the rail and gained early command before being looped by Texas Charm and Ready Cash. The latter then made a move to the front, shuffling Maven back into the three-hole. Severino and Timoko were to Maven's outside and challenging the leader, with Soleil du Fosse three-wide and applying pressure. On that one's back was Solvato, who tipped out into the four path for the stretch drive.

In the stretch, both Texas Charm and Ready Cash broke stride in front of Maven, essentially knocking her out of contention. Solvato's late kick was enough to hold off Up and Quick and Tiego d’Etang for the win.

Solvato (Donato Hanover - Solveig) is the full brother to two of this year's top trotters: two-year-old stakes winner Uncle Lasse, and three-year-old standout Shake It Cerry, recently voted U.S. Trotter of the Year for 2014. Solvato was bred by Solveigs Racing Partners, a partnership that includes the Takters.