Vitiges (horse)

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Vitiges (born 22 March 1973) was a French-bred Thoroughbred racehorse and later a successful sire. As a two-year-old in 1975 he emerged as one of the best French-trained juveniles, winning the Prix Robert Papin and the Prix Morny and finishing second in the Prix de la Salamandre. In 1976, as a three-year-old, he won the Prix Djebel and finished second in both the 2000 Guineas and the Prix Jacques Le Marois before moving to England to be trained by Peter Walwyn.

Vitiges’ greatest moment came in October 1976 when he won the Champion Stakes at Newmarket, beating a strong field in an upset display. Timeform rated him 132 for 1976, making him one of the year's top performers in Britain.

As a four-year-old he did not regain his best form and was retired to stud. He began his stud career in 1978 at Someries Stud in Newmarket and was later exported to Japan in 1986. His most successful offspring was Moon Madness, who won the St Leger Stakes and the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, with other notable winners including New Bruce and Tants Lingfield Oaks Trial.

Vitiges was sired by Phaëton, out of Valé, bred by Hervé de la Héronnière and owned by Mrs. Marc Laloum. He was valued in breeding at syndication in 1976 and is noted to be inbred 4x4 to the stallion Prince Rose.