Messidor: Victor Ludorum is back

July 18, 2021, Chantilly Racecourse (Oise). - The only Gr1 winner in the 6-strong field of the 2021 Prix Messidor (Gr3), Victor Ludorum (Shamardal) hadn't won since June last year when he lifted the French 2,000 Guineas trophy. Third soon after in the Prix du Jockey Club (Gr1), the Godolphin representative had failed twice after that over 2 000 metres and then back in the Moulin de Longchamp's mile. He came back this season with a 3rd place in the Muguet (Gr2), on May 1st, and was only 5th after that in the Ispahan (Gr1), for e last trial over more than a mile. This time, he dominated easily by taking over the front-running British raider Brentford Hope (Camelot) early in the last straight, to keep going without any challenge. The latter bravely held on in 2nd at 3 lengths while Kenway (Galiway) just pipped Moai (Showcasing) for the 3rd place at a neck.

Bred by his owner, Victor Ludorum is the 5th foal out of Antiquities (Kaldounevees), a mare bred by Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum also trained by André Fabre and a Prix Cléopâtre (Gr3) second for her second race. A 3yo brother to Victor Ludorum by New Approach, Ages of Man, ran once last April and finished 4th at Cholet.