Third for Victor Ludorum in G3 Prix de Fontainebleau

Victor Ludorum met with defeat for the first time in his career when finishing third on his three-year-old return in the G3 Prix de Fontainebleau at Longchamp, France, on Monday, 11 May.

The Andre Fabre-trained Shamardal colt, making his first start since winning the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere in October, broke on terms from his wide draw and raced freely in mid-field on the outside of the eight runners for much of the race.

Victor Ludorum moved up to second under Mickael Barzalona with a furlong and a half left but could not trouble The Summit for the lead. He kept on at the same pace and was passed by Ecrivain in the closing stages, going down by two and a half lengths in total.

Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin said: “Victor Ludorum looked to be very ring-rusty but both Andre and Mickael were happy enough with his performance. Provided he comes out of the race well, he will head to the G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains (Monday,1 June) en route to hopefully contesting the G1 Prix du Jockey Club.”