Scott Zeron Second In France

Despite starting from the second tier with a longshot and suffering interference before the start, Canadian driver Scott Zeron finished a respectable second in his European debut

- the Prix des Rencontres Internationales du Trotteur Français at Paris-Vincennes.

The race was won by favoured Mark de Chamant and driver Gérard Vergaerde from Belgium. Zeron finished second aboard Peter Pan, ironically sired by a horse that formerly stood in Ontario - Kaisy Dream.

"I was interfered with before the start and gapped some seven lengths behind the field," Zeron told Trot Insider after the race. "I followed a horse that went three wide, I got wheel to wheel at the top of the stretch. I hadn't pulled out the ear hood yet so I thought I had a good chance. He went a monstrous trip. Top of the stretch I thought he was going to win. Mine didn't slow down but the favourite drew off."

The larger field and added distance had no discernible effect on the horse or the driver.

"In endurance racing, nobody gets single file. The strongest most durable horse wins the race," noted Zeron. "[Peter Pan] liked having fresh air. My horse didn't wear shoes, the track is that comfortable. Everybody was good to drive against, aware of each other on the track."

Zeron proudly sported the Canadian colours in a post-race awards ceremony.

"It was super exciting to be standing on the podium, wearing the Canadian colours and holding the flag. I'm happy that I represented Canada well and I hope I did Canada proud. It was certainly an experience of a lifetime."

The experience was highlighted by what Zeron called the "nicest harness racing facility" he has been to.

"I thought The Meadowlands was the nicest but this facility for sure tops that."

The race was part of a weekend of celebration for Cheval Francais (France's national racing organization) as it marked the 10 year anniversary of an international breeding agreement signed in 2000 with countries from around the globe. The drivers with the most wins from 14 countries were invited to compete in the race. Zeron, the youngest in the field, lined up beside Germany's Heinz Wewering, the world's winningest driver with more than 16,000 wins.

Photos from Zeron's debut in France are available here.