Brilliant Victor Ludorum provides eighth Poulains for Andre Fabre

Victor Ludorum bounced back to form in spectacular fashion to win the Poule d'Essai des Poulains at Deauville.

The son of Shamardal had been a top-class two-year-old, going unbeaten in his three races, but was well beaten on his reappearance last month, finishing only third behind The Summit in the Prix de Fontainebleau.

However, punters kept the faith in Victor Ludorum as he was sent off the 5-4 favourite. He duly produced a tremendous turn of foot to beat The Summit and Alson having been settled near the rear of the field.

In doing so, he provided his master trainer Andre Fabre with an eighth success in the first French Classic, putting him ahead of Francois Mathet as the most successful trainer in the modern era of the race's history.

Mickael Barzalona: 'He got there gradually and I never had to get serious'Credit: Edward Whitaker

Winning rider Mickael Barzalona said: "He's a powerful horse and today he showed that his comeback run did him the world of good. I was able to ride him the way I did at two. I didn't really drop him out, I just rode him for himself.

"He can be a little bit difficult during the preliminaries but he is so straightforward in a race. We went a good even pace and he was just in his racing bubble. He got there gradually and I never had to get serious."

Victor Ludorum now has the option of going up in trip for the Prix du Jockey Club. Ladbrokes immediately cut him from 7-1 to 4-1, while Paddy Power went even further and make him a 2-1 chance.

This race report is being updated and more news will follow shortly