PARIS, France (AFP) — Idao de Tillard cemented his place as a true champion with back-to-back wins in trotting’s greatest prize — the Prix d’Amerique — at Vincennes on Sunday, January 26, 2025.

Trained by Thierry Duvaldestin with son Clement in the silks, the favourite enjoyed a dream run to land the 104th edition of the one million-euro (US$1.05-million) showcase.

There was drama before the off, with the racecourse siren blaring for a false start, ratcheting up the tension amongst the 18 contenders and the 40,000-strong crowd at the track outside Paris.

Once they got under way, Clement gradually moved through the field and was in the perfect position to pounce around the final turn of the 2700m classic.

Hitting the front, Clement and Idao de Tillard held on, resisting challenges from Just Love You (second) and
Go Boy (third) for a time quicker than they had posted 12 months ago.

“He’s an enormous champion,” grinned the 27-year-old Clement, his face splattered with mud.

“Last year I didn’t really appreciate the significance of winning the Prix d’Amerique — this year it’s top. I’m lucky to come across a horse like this.”

Proud father Thierry added: “I told Clement to have confidence in the horse, whatever happens.”

“The horse is exceptional; the great champions have to defend their title,” said Clement.

The Holy Grail of harness trotting was first run in 1920 and named in tribute to the assistance the United States gave France in World War One.

Idao de Tillard was emulating Face Time Bourbon, the last back-to-back winner of trotting’s equivalent of flat racing’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 2020 and 2021.

Idao de Tillard has not looked back since being disqualified in the 2022 edition for breaking into a gallop.

Thierry also trained the mighty Ready Cash, who took the 2011 and 2012 editions.