As the prestigious Prix d’Amérique approaches on January 26th at Vincennes racecourse, a shadow of concern has fallen over one of the event’s top contenders. French driver and trainer Romain Derieux, fresh off a victory at last year’s Elitloppet, is preparing to compete despite recently revealing he is battling a long-term illness. Details remain scarce, but the news raises questions as Derieux aims for a podium finish with his trotter, Go on Boy, in this $4.8 million race.
Top Driver Faces Major Health Challenge Ahead of Prix d’Amérique
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Updated 09.52 | Published January 23, 2026 21.01
Romain Derieux, the favorite to win the prestigious Prix d’Amérique, is facing a serious health battle.
“I have some health problems,” Derieux communicated via text message.
The Prix d’Amérique, a cornerstone of European harness racing, is set to take place on January 26th at Vincennes racecourse.
Today’s Prix d’Amérique at Vincennes offers a purse of approximately $4.8 million to the winner.
French trotter Go on Boy is among the pre-race favorites, alongside driver and trainer Romain Derieux, who won the Elitloppet at Solvalla last year.
However, concerning news has emerged regarding Derieux’s condition.
“Suffering from Long-Term Illness”
Despite his health challenges, Romain Derieux, 41, is scheduled to compete in the prestigious race.
French harness racing expert Yann Hayoun first reported on Derieux’s health in a tip sheet for Svenska Spel.
“A few days ago, I learned that Romain Derieux is suffering from a long-term illness that he will have to fight for the next six months,” Hayoun wrote. Hayoun has previously worked as a manager for star drivers like Franck Nivard, Dominik Locqueneux, and Björn Goop, and contributed to the French racing publication Paris Turf. He continued:
“Go on Boy will also have my support. After reaching the Holy Grail last year with his horse, Romain Derieux is now going through the most difficult period of his life. A victory on Sunday would brighten his 2026.”
“Don’t Want to Talk About Them”
Derieux has chosen not to disclose the specifics of his illness.
“I have some health problems, but I don’t want to talk about them right now,” he texted to Trav365.
Go on Boy’s preparation has not been ideal, as he was forced to withdraw from the Prix de Belgique on January 11th due to a cough.
“Hoping for a Place on the Podium”
Despite his health concerns, Derieux remains optimistic.
“He is doing well now and has been feeling good for the past two weeks. I hope to be on the podium,” Derieux texted.
He expressed particular respect for Epic Kronos, one of the Swedish horses in the field.
“I was very impressed with him after his win in the Prix Tenor de Baune,” Derieux said.
In addition to Epic Kronos, the Swedish contingent includes Francesco Zet, Immortal Doc, and Bullet the BlueSky.
The Prix d’Amérique is scheduled to begin at 4:20 PM local time.
At 4:20 PM, the world’s toughest trotting race, the Prix d’Amérique, will be decided.
Trav365 live chat runs between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
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There are four Swedish-trained horses in the race. Daniel Redén starts Epic Kronos and Francesco Zet. Fredrik Wallin has Immortal Doc and Daniel Wäjersten drives Bullet the BlueSky.
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• GUIDE: Here is everything before the Prix d’Amérique. READ MORE.
• Redén: “I’ve never had these chances. READ MORE.
• Driving in Major Race – Is Seriously Ill. READ MORE.
• TV4 Profile: “It’s an honor”. READ MORE.
• Goop: “He’s really good”. READ MORE.
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Trav365’s Andreas Örtengren is live chatting from the Prix d’Amérique.
We start at 4:00 PM.
Welcome to ask your questions.
