Brave third for Victor Ludorum in G1 Prix du Jockey Club

Victor Ludorum ran a gallant race after breaking slowly from a difficult draw to finish third in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club over an extended 10 furlongs at Chantilly, France, on Sunday, 5 July.

The son of Shamardal, attempting to emulate his sire and complete a Classic double following an impressive win in the G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains, dwelt leaving his inside draw of stall one and raced in a clear last of the 16 runners early on.

He took slightly closer order on the outside of the field after the first three furlongs but the Andre Fabre-trained colt still had most of the field in front of him at the top of the home straight.

Victor Ludorum accelerated strongly down the centre of the course under Mickael Barzalona and held every chance approaching the final half-furlong. He was outpaced by Mishriff in the closing stages and narrowly lost out on second to The Summit, going down by two lengths in total.

Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin said: “Victor Ludorum was outstayed by a good winner but the race wasn’t run to suit him and it all went wrong at the start. He showed a great turn of foot in the straight before finding Mishriff too strong near the line.

“He has still run very well and we will regroup before deciding any future plans.”