Harness: Bold Eagle defeated by Lionel in Prix de Paris

Bold Eagle’s bid to become the first horse to win the Trotting Triple Crown in France was thwarted on Sunday as Lionel overcame a brutal trip to best the Prix de Amerique champion convincingly.

Timoko was quick to the lead in the 4,150 meter Prix de Paris as Lionel pressed on the outside from the onset. Bird Parker brushed around Lionel to the front to pocket Timoko, but Lionel continued his subtle yet consistent uncovered bid. This situation remained intact until the end of the final turn when Franck Nivard said “go” off cover with Bold Eagle.

Bold Eagle surged to the front but despite the cozy trip was clearly not the same powerhouse as in the Prix de Amerique. Nivard was urging the champion along and Lionel just didn’t know how to quit despite getting passed. Driver Orjan Kihlstrom angled Lionel to the outside and wore down Bold Eagle for the win.

Tagada Tagada closed from fourth over for third ahead of Bird Parker and Timoko.

Bold Eagle's owner, Pierre Pilarski, said via Twitter, "@BoldEagle_Trot is beaten by better than him in the #GPPARIS." Bravo to his entourage".

You can watch the replay here.