The Summit springs a surprise as French racing resumes

As racing resumed in France today with a ten race card at ParisLongchamp the first major race of the 'behind closed doors' era, the Group 3 Prix de Fontainebleau, resulted in a shock victory for 28/1 outsider The Summit.

The betting market on the race had revolved around the previously unbeaten colt Victor Ludorum (8/15 favourite) which had won the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on Arc day last year and was expected to dominate today's opposition.

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

The Summit had the benefit of previous a run this season when naorrowly beaten in a Listed contest at Saint Cloud in March and made good use of his superior fitness to steal a march on his opponents early in the home straight.

The sport had been hold since March and despite a last-minute threat to the action on Friday, the authorities gave the go-ahead for France Galop to restart racing behind closed doors.

Strict social distancing and hygiene measures are in place on track, with all jockeys wearing masks to race along with the limited personnel on track.