Jabalpur Shatters Vincennes Record, Sets Sights on Global Classics
Trotter Becomes First to Break 1’09” Barrier in René Ballière
A historic performance at Vincennes has propelled trotter Jabalpur into the upper echelons of the sport. On June 22, 2025, the five-year-old stunned spectators by becoming the first horse ever to complete the 2,100-meter distance at the iconic track in under 1 minute and 9 seconds.
Supersonic Victory Rewrites Record Books
Under a brilliant drive, Jabalpur, a son of Booster Winner, clocked an astonishing 1’08”7 in the prestigious René Ballière Price. This monumental achievement not only secured a major victory but also established a new world record for the distance. The win catapults Jabalpur and his connections into the spotlight, with eyes now firmly fixed on future international challenges.
“It is sure that he will be expected now,” acknowledges his mentor, **Arnaud Chavatte**. “But this is not a problem for us. We will continue to work in the same way, that is to say with serenity.”
—Arnaud Chavatte, Trainer
A Meteoric Rise to Prominence
Trainer Arnaud Chavatte, along with his father Alain, who manages the horse for Scuderia Tramontom, savored their first Group I victory. This triumph follows their earlier success in the Gaston Brunet Prize with Kataki de Wallis. Chavatte revealed that the team harbored ambitions of a strong showing but did not anticipate such a dominant victory, especially over rivals like Go On Boy.
“We felt great pride,” stated the 37-year-old trainer. “We savor because they are horribly hard races to win. This means that the work was well done and that the horse and the pilot were good.”
—Arnaud Chavatte
The horse’s progression has been remarkable. Jabalpur has consistently improved, highlighted by a series of four consecutive wins last winter at Group III level. This ascent has led to a clear trajectory towards elite competition. The team is not resting on their laurels and has already set their sights on ambitious targets.
The Prix d’Amérique 2026 is now a significant long-term goal for the rising star. This win is a testament to the careful development and astute training provided by the Chavatte team, who have been granted the freedom to nurture the horse’s talent. As of 2024, the average prize money for a Group I trot race in France is over €250,000, underscoring the financial importance of such victories. France Galop.
Looking Ahead: New Challenges and Continued Serenity
Jabalpur is scheduled to compete in the Jean-Luc Lagardère Prize at Enghien this Saturday. Chavatte confirmed the horse is in excellent condition, having recently completed strong training sessions.
“He decompressed for a week. Then we started to climb the towers to prepare this group II. He worked this morning (Read Monday). He made 750 meters four times. I let him slide during the last interval on the foot of 1’11”/1’12”. He had a lot of gas and was happy to go.”
—Arnaud Chavatte
While Inexess Bleu is acknowledged as a primary threat in the upcoming Enghien race, Chavatte remains optimistic about Jabalpur’s chances. Following the Enghien meeting, potential outings include the Grand Prix de Wallonie in September and the Grand Prix des Nations in Milan on November 1st. These races are crucial for accumulating earnings and securing qualifications for future major events, including the “b” qualifying races for the Prix d’Amérique.
