Almanzor and Found set to do battle again

ALMANZOR remains firmly on course for a potential rematch with Arc heroine Found in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday week.

The French Derby hero relegated Aidan O'Brien's filly to the runner-up spot when running out an impressive winner of the the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown last month.

Found returned to winning ways when leading home a famous Ballydoyle one-two-three in Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly and the pair could potentially lock horns once more in Berkshire.

Rouget said: "The horse is well and we hope to bring him to Ascot in his best form.

"So far he has had no problems in his preparation, but we still have 12 days to go."

Asked about a potential rematch with Found, he said: "I don't know (what else is running). I just concentrate on my own horse, the others are not my problem."

Rouget was not represented in the Arc following the disappointing defection of unbeaten French Oaks heroine La Cressonniere following a setback.

The trainer confirmed his charge would not run again this season, but she is set to return as a four-year-old in 2017.

"There is no injury, but she has a bad back," said Rouget.

"She will have a three-month break before returning to training."

The Pau-based trainer also revealed his three-time Group One-winning filly Ervedya was to be retired to stud after finishing third in Saturday's Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket.