Modern Games goes down fighting in G1 Prix du Jockey Club

Modern Games ran a valiant race to finish third as he attempted to complete a French Classic double in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly on Sunday, 5 June.

Stepping up to an extended 10 furlongs, the G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains winner showed good speed from his outside draw and disputed the early running before establishing a narrow advantage after a furlong and a half.

Yoozuna joined Modern Games in front with three-quarters of a mile to race and the duo continued to dictate until Vadeni quickened strongly to hit the front a furlong and a half out.

Modern Games rallied under William Buick as Vadeni readily went clear and the Godolphin homebred kept on inside the final furlong, with El Bodegon getting up for second close home.

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “Modern Games has run another solid race. He is a horse who wears his heart on his sleeve and the trip took him to the end of his spectrum.

“We knew that this distance would be at the end of his petrol gauge and we lost second because we didn’t go through the line strongly, whereas El Bodegon did. The rain here yesterday may have made a slight difference but we wouldn’t have beaten Vadeni, who was a very impressive winner.

“Looking ahead, I feel that he is tailor-made for the G1 Belmont Derby (Saturday, 10 July) and the G1 Saratoga Derby (Saturday, 7 August). Those are two lovely options and we can look forward to heading back out to America for either or both of those races.”