Normandie Niemen, US Darby take Gr II Tests at Vincennes

The top trotting action on Amerique weekend began with two three year old Gr II contests. The Prix Roquepine

By Thomas H. Hicks · 25 January 2026 · 11:43 am

The top trotting action on Amerique weekend began with two three year old Gr II contests. The Prix Roquepine (Gr IIInternational, purse 150,000€, 2700 meters, 13 starters three year old females) went to Normandie Niemen (3f Italiano Vero-Best Lady-Saxo de Vandel) with David Thomain up.

This Philippe Allaire owned and trained youngster now has four wins in seven starts for 140,700€. She was timed in 1.13.7kr at 2.8/1 odds while defeating 51/1 Nord Americaine (3f thomas h-Ukrainienne-Goetmals Wood) with Mathieu Mottier up for trainer Theo Cheradame and Ecurie Blu Racing.

Nymphe d’Elle (3f Django Riff-Dune d’Avignere) was third at 17/1 odds for driver Benjamin Rochard, Ecurie Santamaria and trainer Antoine Marion

Replay https://www.letrot.com/courses/2026-01-24/7500/1

In the Prix Paul Viel (Gr II International, purse 150,000€, 2700 meters, three year old males 13 starters) the 49/1 odds outsider US Darby (3m Tony Gio-Princess Kronos-Donato Hanover-Malibu Princess) scored in 1.13.7kr with Christophe Martens driving. This Bruni Racing Team owned colt is trained by Vincent Martens and now has a first win in France from two starts for 83,860€.

He defeated 8/10 odds favorite Nob Hill (3m Gud’Heripre-Idylle A Vie) driven by trainer Mathieu Mottier for Ecurie D.M.Mottier. Nuevo Cash (3m Ready Cash-Enamorada) was home third at 2.8/1 odds driven by Theo Duvaldestin for trainer Thierry Duvaldestin, Never Forget (3m Hohneck-Valley Victoria) landed fourth at 25/1 witgh Esteban De Jesus up for trainer Alexandre De Jesus followed by 28/1 Nat King Cole (3m Ready Cash-Deep Purple) with David Thomain handling the Philippe Allaire owned/trained/bred colt.