Maurice de Nieuil Report: Red Verdon outsprinted them!

Tuesday, July 14, 2020, ParisLongchamp. - They were 4 to start for 1m6f in the Prix Maurice de Nieuil (Gr2) including 3 French-trained horses who had just competed against each other in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier (Gr2) won by San Huberto (Speightstown) facing only one British raider after Appleby had withdrawn his two Godolphin runners from the race.

However, at the end of a race led by Holdthasigreen (Muhtathir), Dettori and Red Verdon (Lemon Drop Kid) had the last word after following closely the front-running Holdthasigreen whom they took over at full speed about one furlong out, as the French challengers were still gathering pace. He kept going and stood his ground to win by a good length over Called to the Bar (Henrythenavigator), who managed to take a short neck on San Huberto. Holdthasigreen couldn't keep up and finishes 4th and last at only 2 lengths.

Sixth in the 2016 Epsom Derby, second in the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris (Gr1) afterwards, Red Verdon became a regular feature both over the classic distance and extended trips and quickly succeeded but was gelded at the end of 2018. Winner of two races in 2019, including a Group 3 over this distance at York in July, he had finished fourth out of four for his return at Chelmsford City on the all-weather but had immediately won a Listed race over 2,900m at Doncaster. This is his first Gr2 win, however.