Wootton bravely takes G3 Prix de Fontainebleau

Three-year-old colt Wootton maintained his unbeaten record as he rallied strongly to take the mile G3 Prix de Fontainebleau on his seasonal return at Longchamp, France, on Sunday, 15 April.

Henri-Alex Pantall’s charge, whose two victories last year included a five-length success in the Listed Prix Isonomy at Deauville in October, broke smartly and was soon sent to the front of the five runners by Mickael Barzalona.

Wootton was joined a furlong and a half from home by OImedo, and the pair duelled for the lead in the closing stages, with the Godolphin colt battling well to assert near the line and prevail by a head in 1m 47.33s on heavy ground.

The first two finished three and a half lengths clear of Louis D’Or in third, with Rostropovich and Godolphin’s other runner Mind Mapping (Andre Fabre/Pierre-Charles Boudot), who faded in the straight after racing in second, completing the finishing order.  

Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin commented: “We are very pleased with Wootton’s victory. 

“It is always slightly nerve-wracking coming out of the winter with a highly-regarded colt like him but he showed plenty of quality. 

“He handled the conditions well and always looked to have the measure of Olmedo. 

“We hope that he can improve on his first run of the year and the Poule d’Essai des Poulains (G1, 1m, Longchamp, 13 May) looks set to be his next step.”