After falling short in 2016, French trotting sensation Bold Eagle made history on Sunday with a victory in the 2-1/2 mile Grand Prix de Paris at Vincennes, becoming just the fourth horse to sweep the three races that comprise the Triple Crown of French trotting.
Franck Nivard guided the son of Ready Cash to the historic victory, fanning off cover to fly home for the win over Briac Dark (David Thomain).
A six-year-old son of Ready Cash - Reethi Rah Jet, Bold Eagle now boasts 33 wins from 38 lifetime starts and earnings in excess of $4 million (CAD) for trainer Sébastien Guarato and owner Ecurie Pierre Pilarski.
Not only did Bold Eagle garner the $190,000 lion's share of the purse for the winner, his connections also receive a $320,000 bonus for winning all three legs of the French Triple Crown -- Prix d’Amerique, Prix de France and Prix de Paris. The Prix de Paris eluded him in 2016, finishing second to Lionel.
Bold Eagle joins Gelinotte (1956 & 1957), Jamin (1959) and Bellino II (1976) as the only horses to win all three legs of the Triple Crown in France. Reports indicate he will now focus on stud duties while staying in training with sights set on the 2017 Elitlopp.