While the Vincennes winter meeting begins its four-months’ run, the best European trotters will be sharpening up their preparation ahead of some coveted prizes. But neither Etonnant nor his handler, Richard Westerink, will be present for the festival’s first weekend. It is off to the Netherlands for the 9 year-old’s team.

Richard, how is Etonnant after his trip to New York for the Yonkers International Trot in early September?

It was very hot and he lost 60kg. The heat, and a number of other things went against him [finished 8th], and was in no shape to do well. The blood was good though, and he’s been fine for six weeks. The aim is to gradually get him to where he needs to be for the Prix d’Amérique. He’s been ready a bit too early in recent years, perhaps it’s better to take a more gradual process.

Why did you decide to run him in the Gr.2 Prix des Géants at Wolvega?

I was going to run him in the Grand Prix du Sud-Ouest at Toulouse, but he was only just ready. Wolvega has been asking me to come for some time. We could never have done that with Timoko; we presented him to the crowd but never ran him there. It’s Etonnant’s turn. He has his fans there, and it will be a nice moment.

In what configuration will he run?

He’ll run shod. I don’t know the opposition but I still expect him to do well. We’ll do everything the same way, it’s just that he will keep his shoes on.

What are his winter plans?

He won’t go to Vincennes straight away. The Prix de Bretagne is a possibility, as is a monté race. The Cornulier could be an interesting option.