Randy Waples made his European debut on Saturday at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes in a race featuring a rematch of the 1-2 finishers in the 2011 Breeders Crown Open Trot
.
Waples was driving against France's Eric Raffin for the first time since San Pail and Rapide Lebel electrified the harness racing world at Woodbine in October. The two drivers were competing in the 2011 Prix des Rencontres Internationales du Trotteur Français, a race established by Cheval Francais to celebrate the French trotting breed.
Waples steered Nice Gold de Lys while Raffin sat behind Quiero. Unfortunately these horses were not factors finishing tenth and ninth respectively. The race was won by Switzerland's Marc-Andre Bovay.
Randy Waples and Nice Gold de Lys(in highlighted area above)
After the race Waples told Paris-Turf that he was impressed with the facility and track, understanding now why racing without shoes is so important. When asked if he thought San Pail would race over Vincennes without shoes, he felt that trainer Rod Hughes would likely leave Pail's shoes on.