3 minute read

Etonnant in top shape for the Prix de l'Atlantique.

Has a horse better lived up to his name than Etonnant (in English, Amazing)? During the winter meeting, Etonnant was the one to spice up a script that had been written in advance…until the announcement of the career end of Face Time Bourbon, and it was Etonnant that defeated Face Time Bourbon on his last track appearance in December. From the story of his trainer Richard Westerink to that of his sire Timoko, it seems that in this tale, there is mystery, intrigue, twists, and turns.

Once upon a time there was a young Dutchman named Richard Westerink who dreamed of flying in the home straight of Vincennes. He went through his classes in his native country then came to France in search of glory. Relentless, hardworking, his job was in a duck slaughterhouse in addition to his long hours of work with horses to create his own training center. One day, he noticed a magnificent horse and bought it for a client. His name was Timoko. His training style was to look ahead, far ahead… sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. But when some criticised the trainer's method, Richard Westerink turned his back knowing he would run his horse when he believed he needed to. And neither Bold Eagle nor Face Time Bourbon can claim to have won the Elitloppet twice like Timoko who added 13 other Group 1 races to his career record.

At stud, the stallion Timoko gave us Dreammoko, Elite du Ruel, Follelli… and Etonnant. Out of the broodmare Migraine, herself a G1 winner under the saddle of the G1 Prix du Président de la République (2850m), the promising colt did not give his trainer any reason for concern. During his first 15 races, he was either 1st, 2nd or disqualified (five times). Not bad for a start… though this hardly indicated a future superstar was coming his way…..

Etonnant had to wait until August 2018 as a 4 year-old to win his first Group 2 at Vincennes and then until he was six to land his first Group 1 in the 4150 meters marathon of the Prix de Paris. The following year (2022), he won the Criterium de Vitesse de la Côte d'Azur over 1609 meters.

Etonnant is astonishing: not precocious but tough! How many horses have won a G1 over 1609m and also 4150m? He knows how to do everything. And now the goal is the Elitloppet. Like his daddy, Timoko.

He is also performing stud duties "Like last year, Etonnant is standing at Haras d'Avireau, Franck Leblanc's farm" explained trainer Richard Westerink. "The horse has been there since the Grand Prix de Paris. I work him from time to time like last Thursday (Thursday April 14). The horse is fine, he literally sings, he could go to the opera! Already last year, he had started neighing when he was working, but now I find that it has increased! It does not worry me more than that for Saturday in the Prix de l'Atlantique but as a precaution, as Enghien could be distant in some part of the racetrack stables, I will ask for him to not be far from the track entrance, where there is space, to harness him up quietly. Clearly, on Saturday we are here to win. This is not a small launching pad to gently ramp up to Sweden. The horse is going to love the long straight line of the Enghien racecourse, and I think he is better than Vivid Wise As. He's in great shape. My only advice to driver Anthony Barrier will be to stick to the wings of the mobile car in anticipation of Solvalla. I want to see the horse's reaction and also so that Anthony doesn't face the wrath of the Stewards in Sweden and end up with a fine!"

"During the Elitloppet, the goal is to qualify for the final. I don't want to win the heat at all costs. It was different for Timoko. Timoko almost absolutely needed a low draw on the inside of the track. Etonnant can have the number 6, I do not care, on the contrary even.

I'm not at all worried about the racing scenario, Etonnant can do everything, he has magnificent heartbeat. Growing older and becoming a stallion, he gained strength, which is probably why he is now able to cover all distances. Unlike his father, he is not as versatile… but he is so tough! Even though the home-straight is short, there will be a maximum of only seven horses to overtake since there are eight per heat".

Such is the intrigue, twists, and turns of the Etonnant story which is set to continue...