Prix d’Amérique 2024: Iroise de la Noé – Trainer Thomas Levesque Interview

Fault in the final phase of the last Prix ​​d’Amérique – Legend Racewhile she could still claim a good place, Iroise de la Noé was, beforehand, the last minute guest of the 2025 edition.

In a single appearance on the circuits of America Racesthe protégé of Thomas Levesque was a double whammy. By winning the Belgian Prize, she also won her ticket to America. It still had to be validated. For Thomas Levesque, the decision was made all the easier as he wears all the hats. Owner, trainer and driver of Iroise de la Noe, we can say that he then had fun participating in his first Prix d’Amérique.

“Last year it wasn’t the big day, I hadn’t prepared for it. It was a bonus! This year we really focused everything on this Prix d’Amérique”

Coveted by the best, the world championship leaves no choice to those who want to participate. Places are contested and there are only two ways to access them. By winnings or on the preparatory circuit, the America Races.

Gifted but not yet fortunate enough, Irosia of Noah must therefore qualify to ensure their presence on the starting grid, on the last Sunday in January. With surgical precision, Thomas Levesque just aim again. Note for her end of the race in the penultimate “B”, the daughter of Beautiful Tornado hits the mark in the final qualifying race. In the 2026 Belgian Prize, Iroise de la Noé succeeds herself, and in an equally authoritarian manner.

The story takes on another dimension this year, because Thomas Levesque experienced this victory from the stands. To put all the chances of victory on his side on D-day, the man of Beuzeville-la-Bastille appealed to Eric Raffin. The multiple gold sulky, number one in his profession since 2019, is also looking for a first coronation in the Prix d’Amérique. Perhaps he will achieve it this year with Iroise de la Noé, whom he was able to lead to victory in a Belgian Prix whose scenario did not conform to the one they had imagined.

“He had to do the last kilometer and then the race was not progressing and he came…There is a side of improvisation that makes great drivers, that’s why I called on Eric Raffin.”

A fine strategist, Thomas Levesque and also a formidable developer. In four outings in this meeting, including only two against the elite, the son of Pierre Levesque was able to lead his mare to the top without firing a shot. The Everest of harness trotting once again stands before Iroise de la Noé, ready to take up this challenge, but this time in the role of leader.

“If we have to be beaten I hope it will be better, because in terms of work she is really good. She worked very well.”

Find below the report produced by our journalist Thibault Marlinwho went to Bellevent stud farmthis Monday, January 19.