Timoko Prevails In France Over Maven
Timoko captured his second €200,000 Grand Criterium de Vitesse at Hippodrome de la Côte d'Azur in France on Sunday while the Jimmy Takter-trained trotting mare Maven stormed home late in a valiant runner-up performance.
Timoko and driver Björn Goop left from post three and retook command after being challenged early in the 1,609m Group I stakes event. Down the stretch, the 2013 champion began to trot away from his rivals to secure another victory in 1:54.3. Outside starter Maven and Johnny Takter were spotted fourth over coming off the final turn and closed quickly on the outside to finish second about two lengths behind.
After the race, Jimmy Takter said that he was proud of Maven's performance and congratulated the winning connections of Timoko.
Trained by Richard Westerink, Timoko is now a 12-time Group I stakes winner. Next up, the eight-year-old trotter will be vying for his second consecutive victory in the Elitlopp and could compete in Yonkers Raceway's International Trot later this year.