Victor Ludorum, French 2,000 Guineas hero who went through an undefeated G1-winning juvenile campaign, has been retired from racing and will stand at Haras du Logis in Normandy in 2022.
Alongside Pinatubo and Earthlight, Victor Ludorum was one of an elite trio of unbeaten two-year-old colts from what turned out to be one of Shamardal’s final crops. After two easy victories in Paris, his first big win came in the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on Arc day: he swooped late and fast to take the prize drawing away. Then, last June, Andre Fabre’s charge cruised to an emphatic triumph in the G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains with another near last-to-first burst of acceleration. The victory inevitably drew comparisons with his sire’s record: Shamardal was also an unbeaten G1 winner at two who went on to win the French 2,000 Guineas. The similarity extends to their pedigrees: Victor Ludorum is both by Shamardal and from his female family, being inbred 3x3 to the Irish Oaks winner Helen Street, also dam of exceptional Darley stallion Street Cry.
Victor Ludorum added another sumptuous Group victory to his record in the G3 Prix Messidor this July, a race he won by three lengths gliding through the gears. Placed efforts include chasing home Mishriff when trying 10 furlongs in the French Derby at three, and third in the G1 Prix du Moulin behind Baaeed.
Sam Bullard, Director of Stallions, said, ‘Victor Ludorum was a great credit to the Godolphin team – a homebred Classic winner who was exceptional at two. We’re delighted to be standing him in France, scene of all his races. He hails from a particularly exceptional stallion-making family and has every chance of being a great stallion son of Shamardal.’
Julian Ince said, 'I'm thrilled that Darley is entrusting such a wonderful horse to the Haras du Logis. And, of course, it's tremendous for the French breeding community. Bred by Godolphin and masterfully trained by Andre Fabre, Victor Ludorum has been a wonderful horse to watch. We've all been so excited by him. A great-looking colt, with a fantastic pedigree – and such a talent! Unbeaten at two and brilliant in the Poule d'Essai – that's exactly what his sire Shamardal achieved, and we'll be hoping Victor Ludorum will be just as successful at stud.'
Victor Ludorum’s fee will be announced at a later date.
