Racing at Paris Longchamp, France today resumed with a 10-card fixture which was headlined by French Derby winner Sottsass and until today – the unbeaten Victor Ludorum.
With the first race commencing at 10.55am local time, Longchamp was spectatorless and open only to approved race day staff, racing personnel and local broadcast. Foreign horses, jockeys and trainers who reside permanently in France’s neighbouring countries were not permitted to compete, making it an all-French racing affair.
Despite a potential eleventh hour disruption, France Galop was able to satisfy the French government and its health advisers, paving the way for a successful return to racing. However it was met with anguish from French football enthusiasts given the nation’s biggest sporting code – football – is still under a suspension until September.
France Horse Racing went off without a hitch at Longchamp, however it’s marquee act Sottsass could finish only fourth, beaten by Shaman who made every yard of the run to lift the Group Two Prix d’Harcourt.
Sottsass had a tremendous 2019 campaign, winning the French Derby and finishing third to Waldgeist and Enable in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Another turn-up! Shaman lowers the colours of Sottsass and wins the Group 2 Prix d’Harcourt for @maximeguyon_off and Carlos Laffon-Parias at @paris_longchamp pic.twitter.com/2KWpOU2TZO
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 11, 2020
On a day which featured four Group races, juvenile colt Victor Ludorum travelled to Longchamp to continue his unbeaten winning streak – his last victory coming via the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere last October, however he was overshadowed in a shock defeat by The Summit in the Group 3 Prix de Fontainebleau.
In the trial for the French 2000 Guineas, Godolphin stable representative Lisa-Jane Graffard said post-race it would still target the Classic with Victor Ludorum.
“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 Poule d’Essai des Poulains (June 1) en route to hopefully contesting the Prix du Jockey Club.”
Impressive! The Summit gets a cracking ride from @PCBOUDOT to upset the hot favourite Victor Ludorum and win the Group 3 Prix de Fontainebleau at @paris_longchamp pic.twitter.com/thO4sVHkFW
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 11, 2020
Racing also was revived at Compiegne with a ten-race jumps meeting meanwhile a night fixture featuring three jumps races at Toulouse in the country’s south was also successful.
Across Australia, Hong Kong and Japan as well as some states in America – racing has continued under heavy regulation during the coronavirus pandemic.
Government loophole paves way for racing to return in France read more.
