Victoire Magique crossing the line at Lion D’Angers
VICTOIRE MAGIQUE won his second race of his career and his first as a 3yo when slamming his rivals by three lengths and more at Angers yesterday for Solario Racing.
Stepping up to 3000 metres or 1m7f for the first time, the going was officially good to soft and the horse was running at the Angers or Lion D’Angers as it is officially known for the second time in his career, having been second at the track as a 2yo on his third and final start of the year.
Victoire with Amy, Cristian Demuro and stable lass Hannah Boult
Cristian Demuro was again in the saddle, riding him for the fifth time in eight starts and he gave him a beautiful ride. There was at last a proper pace on, something often lacking in his previous race and Cristian had him settled in fourth position for most of the race until making his move on the final bend.
The favourite, Derawar, owned by the Aga Khan Studs and trained by Francois Graffard had been in second for much of the race but was soon in trouble as Cristian and Victoire kicked for home soon after the final bend, putting daylight between them and the rest of the field.
Racing Manager bonding with the victorious Victoire Magique
Once they went for home it was all over and as Victoire was eased down by Cristian, it was three lengths back to the runner-up and 7/2 second favourite, Nabab’K, with a further length and a quarter back to the third horse, Crystal Bay. The hot 6/4 favourite was beaten five and a half lengths into fifth place.
Amy had made the four hour trip to the track and arrived around ten minutes before the off but in time to watch the victory and celebrate with yours truly.
It was fabulous to see the horse return back to winning ways and clearly the step up in trip and the proper gallop suited him.
The prize money was over 17,500 euros, which as ever included 75% French-bred premium!
