Lovino Bello, hailed as the fastest 3-year-old trotter in European harness racing history, is set to compete in today's (Dec. 8) $220,000 Prix Ready Cash at Vincennes. Despite being suspended from racing due to a doping incident in Italy on Nov. 1, this trotter is determined to take the track. The European harness racing federation's president, Marjaana Alaviuhkola, was called to an extraordinary meeting on Friday (Dec. 6) to address the issue of allowing Lovino Bello to race in a Group 1 race in Paris. However, French harness racing seems to be treating this case as ordinary, which raises serious concerns.

The Sport's Foundation at Stake

This situation represents one of the biggest problems in harness racing across the planet. Doping, cheating, and the broken trust for bettors have become prominent issues. France, often regarded as a role model for other European harness racing countries, is now facing scrutiny. Horsepeople who care about the well-being of the horses are now viewing French harness racing with more suspicion. It is crucial to address these issues to safeguard the integrity of the sport.

Trainer's Admission

Lovino Bello's trainer, Jocelyn Roberts, has admitted that the horse was injected with Tildren 43 days before the race in Italy on Nov. 1. This admission further highlights the seriousness of the doping issue. The Italian list of horses testing positive for doping, including Lovino Bello, can be accessed here. The continued presence of doping-suspended trotters in high-stakes events like the $220,000 Prix Ready Cash undermines the very foundation of the sport.

Upset at Vincennes

On Saturday (Dec. 7), the race card at Vincennes featured two $125,000 races for 4-year-olds. In the boys' race, the Prix Octave Douesnel, winner Kanto Avis (Ready Cash) had to battle three-wide during the first half mile before taking the lead in the hands of Benjamin Rochard. In a comfortable manner, Kanto Avis maintained a safe distance from the challengers in the stretch and crossed the finish line in a mile rate of 1:56.2 over 1.6 miles. Ready Cash sons Keenan de Joudes and Kahl's Fella finished second and third, respectively. Kanto Avis was a significant upset as the favorite Koctel du Dain held strongly in fifth place after a tough trip.In the 4-year-old ladies' battle, Ready Cash daughter Kokote trained and driven by Mathieu Mottier emerged victorious. Kokote took the lead half a mile into the race and was unbeatable this afternoon, completing the 1.6-mile distance in a mile rate of 1:56.4. Behind Kokote, favorite Kana de Beylev finished second ahead of Ninetta Boko.These races at Vincennes added another layer of complexity to the already controversial situation surrounding Lovino Bello. The sport's integrity is on the line as it continues to grapple with doping and cheating issues.