Nimrod Borealis wins French Grand Circuit final

Nimrod Borealis won the final of the French Grand Circuit-—the Grand National du Trot—-at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes on Sunday, easily making up a 25-meter handicap to score in a mile rate of 1:57.2 over the 2,875-meter distance (about 1 3/4 miles).

The Grand National du Trot is a series for older trotters, with qualifying races at 13 different tracks over the year. The final on Sunday was raced in front of a large crowd that also partook in a big fair that was built up in the lower level of the grandstand that featured what is most important for the French-—gourmet food and wine.

A 6-year-old gelding, Nimrod Borealis (Arnaqueur-Hermine Diam) is trained and owned by Loic Desire Abrivard and driven by Mathieu Abrivard, one of the most promising young drivers/jockeys in France. Abrivard quickly made up the 25-meter handicap and after taking the lead easily held off Kito du Vivier (Quito de Talonay).

Nimrod Borealis has only made 12 starts in 2007, but has earned approximately $685,000.

The next major race at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes will come on Sunday, Dec. 23, with the Grand Prix Continental, a European championship for 4 year olds. Not less than 27 have been nominated for the race, which will be drawn on Wednesday.

Here are the probable starters: Pearl Queen, Prince d'Espace, Going Kronos, Giulia Grif, Russel November, Pirogue Jenilou, Simb Chaplin, Paddy du Buisson, Princess Foot, Ghibellino, Ghiaccio del Nord, Perlando, Pitt Cade, Pim Quick, Private Love, Premiere Steed and Prodigious.

Other possible starters are: Paradis Cordiere, Postania de Viette, Podium, Pole Position, Timetosaygoodbye, Oscar The Mo, Classic Grand Cru, Pavane, Paoloro and Pamela du Relais.

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