Although Canadian reinsman Doug McNair was unable to represent his country this past weekend in the Prix des Rencontres Internationales du Trotteur Français, the show still went on at the Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes in France.
McNair learned Saturday morning local time that his horse, Ramses de Vaudon, was scratched from the race and there was no also eligible.
"I can't believe there's no backup plan for a situation like this," a notably upset McNair told Trot Insider. He was graciously offered the drive from Swiss driver Jean Bernard Matthey but the racetrack officials wouldn't allow it.
Driver Noel Baldacchino of Malta ended up winning the €22,000 event with the Stephane Provoost-trained Puy de Sancy, who was sent off at odds of 6-1. The 10-year-old Volcan gelding won the 2,100-metre event in 2:37.19 (1.14.9kr).
After having been sent off at odds of 44-1, Quassia du Bon Air finished second for Norwegian driver Hans-Petter Tholfsen and trainer Bruno Marie.
Prieure, the public’s 3-1 post-time choice, finished third for driver Pierre Vercruysse, who was representing France.
To view the complete order of finish, click here.