Idao de Tillard beats Inexess Bleu in La Capelle Group 2

Idao de Tillard secured victory in the Grand Prix de la Fédération Régionale du Nord (Group 2) on Wednesday afternoon at the La Capelle mile track in northern France. The eight-year-old son of Severino, driven by Clément Duvaldestin and trained by his father Thierry Duvaldestin, held off his arch-rival Inexess Bleu by half a length in a sharp 1:52.2 over the mile, equating to a kilometer rate of 1:09.7.

This victory is particularly significant as it marks the first time Idao de Tillard has directly defeated Inexess Bleu. The two champions had met previously, with Inexess Bleu consistently holding the upper hand. By prevailing in this duel, the double Prix d'Amérique winner (2024 and 2025) reaffirms his status as France's premier trotter at present. Furthermore, it was his fourth consecutive score since his appearance in the Elitloppet in Stockholm.

In a field of thirteen trotters competing over the 1800-meter autostart distance, Clément Duvaldestin positioned Idao de Tillard on the outside of the leading Italian contender Falco Killer Gar, driven by Franck Nivard. Midway through the final turn, Duvaldestin made his move and struck the front at the top of the straight. Inexess Bleu, entrusted to Alexandre Abrivard, launched a late challenge from the back of the pack, but Idao de Tillard remained resolute to cross the line half a length clear.

The winner's share amounted to €54,000 from a total purse of €120,000. This was the second time Idao de Tillard has claimed this Group 2 event, following his previous success in 2024. According to French media reports, his next target is the Group 1 Grand Prix de Wallonie at Mons on September 21, after which focus will shift toward the winter meeting at Vincennes.

Idao de Tillard, bred out of America de Tillard (First), has built an extraordinary record. In addition to his two Prix d'Amérique titles, he set a new French mile record earlier this year in the Prix de Washington. Performing at this elite level at eight years of age is a testament to his exceptional durability. The narrow defeat of Inexess Bleu, a stallion who likewise belongs to the absolute pinnacle of the European trotting circuit, ensures that the rivalry between these two champions remains one of the most compelling narratives of the autumn season.