3 minute read

Vincennes - 2nd April 2021.

Happy Pacha was an eye catching winner of the four-year-old only Prix de Gueugnon, impressing connections with his determined attitude...

27 March – Vincennes – R4 

Prix de Gueugnon – Class A - 2700m – Driven

Happy Pacha (Alexandre Abrivard/Laurent-Claude Abrivard) 

Happy Pacha was an eye catching winner of the four-year-old only Prix de Gueugnon, impressing connections with his determined attitude. A previous five-time winner, Happy Pacha bounced back from a disappointing performance in the G3 Prix Vindex (2700m) where the colt finished last of thirteen completers. Victory in last weekend's Prix de Gueugnon was particularly notable as he reversed the form with G3 Prix de Vindex second Hermès Pat (Gabriele Gelormini/Maik Esper). 

The four-year-old took an early lead in the race and was forced to maintain his advantage on multiple occasions throughout as other rivals tried to take the front. As the field swung into the final straight, Hermes Pat moved up on the outside to challenge for the win and was expected to extend away. Alexandre Abrivard was able to coax a further effort from Happy Pacha and the colt won by one length with a kilometre rating of 1'13 a personal best for a walk-up start. 

The success was a second win at Class A and indicates Happy Pacha is ready to retry Group company. His close fourth in the G3 Prix d'Avignon (2100m) on 6 February demonstrated his ability to perform at a tougher level and trainer Laurent-Claude Abrivard has touted Happy Pacha as a future G3 Grand National du Trot horse.