RACING was back, but just not as we know it.
At Longchamp the sight of masked jockeys and horses auditioning for the upcoming Classics were a welcome relief.
After a few scares, the French authorities finally gave the green light for a restart in Paris, a city devastated by the coronavirus.
There was no champagne and little in the way of a crowd, but it gave sport-starved punters – both here and in France – some much needed high class action.
Talk of the town beforehand had surrounded Victor Ludorum and Sottsass, but both failed to read the script.
Andre Fabre’s Victor Ludorum was swiftly replaced as the French 2000 Guineas favourite by Earthlight after he could only manage a disappointing third at 2-5 in the Prix de Fontainebleau.
Turning for home he was lit up and never looked comfortable under Mickael Barzalona and was beat a good way out.
The spoils went to 28-1 outsider The Summit who cut out most of the running and is now as short as 8-1 for the French Guineas.
Last year’s Arc third Sottsass was another damp squib when only fourth at 2-5 in the Group 2 Prix d’Harcourt.
He had been as short as 10-1 for this season’s Arc but doubled in price after his no show.
Shaman took home the reduced £43,000 first prize as he grabbed the rail and handled tough conditions best as part of a treble for Maxime Guyon.
Star of the show was Tropbeau who ran out a gutsy winner of the Group 3 Prix de la Grotte, another recognised Classic trial.
In the Lady Bamford colours, she gave Fabre reason to cheer as she dug out the win, always just doing enough.
She was last seen when third in the Group 1 Cheveley Park at Newmarket and was cut into 6-4 for the French 1000.
Masks were compulsory for all on course, apart from riders during the actual races, although many chose to keep them on.
There was only one way in and one way out of the track to ensure only those essential to the meeting were admitted and temperatures could be taken.
Only trainers and one member of staff from each stable were given access. Owners and breeders were not.
All boxes, restaurants and suites were closed with the showers and changing rooms also off limits to jockeys.
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