The Lazy King
by Lisa Harkema
He was the undisputed French emperor for several years, and only illness prevented him from winning an unprecedented five Prix d’Amerique-wins in a row. As tough off as on the track, Ourasi was a handful for those around him. He was actually more than a handful for his competitors, who simply couldn’t resist the complete package of strength, speed and an insane will to win. In one race the other competitors even colluded to prevent the chestnut superstar from winning, but Ourasi won anyway.
The big, burly colt born 1980 was first trained and driven by one of his owners, the nearly deaf Raoul Ostheimer, at 2, and was 0-1-1 in 4 starts. After three starts, Ostheimer felt justified in his lack of belief in the massively built chestnut who he believed as both too lazy and too heavy. Rachel Tessier, Ostheimer’s ex-wife who still lived with the trainer, had formed a special bond with Ourasi, however, as saw something special in the colt. Soon the French trotting public would see it, too. On Dec 8, 1982, Ourasi made his first start at Vincennes in the Prix des Acacias. Despite a poor start, Ourasi goes around his competitors one by one. He doesn’t manage to catch up to the winning Ovenutar, but his second place finish make numerous horsemen take notice.