Lionel Denies Bold Eagle's Triple Crown Bid

On the other side of the pond, the Norwegian Lionel, denied the precocious 4 year old Bold Eagle the French Triple Crown by just over a length in the Grand Prix de Paris on Sunday.  The time for the 4,150 meter (approx 2 9/16 miles) trot was 5:10.32.  While it may be considered an upset, one should not dismiss Lionel's race effort.

Here is the replay. For those of us who are not fluid in rapid-fire French, Mike Bozich provides the call.



While it is true Bold Eagle raced on the outside for almost the entire race, he raced with cover, covered up by yes, Lionel.  Perhaps the gruel of his winter campaign cost Bold Eagle the race, but that shouldn't take anything away from Lionel who raced super and was simply the better horse this week.