Almanzor a true champion

WHILE a weaker man may have given into temptation, the decision taken by Jean-Claude Rouget to stick to his original plans were vindicated as Almanzor dispatched his rivals in decisive fashion to take victory in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot.

Having resisted running the three-year-old in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe 13 days ago in place of the injured La Cressonniere, the Pau-based handler reaped the rewards as the 11-8 favourite added the mile-and-a-quarter contest to top-level victories gained in the French Derby and Irish Champion Stakes.

Although much of the focus this Flat season has revolved around the achievements of Aidan O'Brien, those posted by Rouget are not to be shunned with this win his ninth at the grade this term in a haul which also includes the French 1000 Guineas and Oaks, as well as the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Despite being slow away from stall one, Almanzor soon found himself settled in a midfield position by Christophe Soumillon behind a steady pace set by Maverick Wave, one of three Godolphin-owned runners.

As the field quickened passing the three pole it looked for a moment that The Grey Gatsby may cause a shock and gain a first win in two years when striding on to take command approaching the final quarter-mile.

Those visions were soon dashed, though, as Soumillon, having waited patiently for an opening to appear, had his wish granted and within a matter of strides the market leader used his rapid acceleration - seen to such good effect at Leopardstown last time out - to move into the lead.

Although Arc heroine Found gave valiant chase in her quest to follow up her Chantilly success it was a case of having to settle for second best for the sixth time this campaign - and second time behind the Classic-winning colt - with two lengths separating the pair at the line.

Rouget said: "It was the programme since the summer and I didn't change my mind. The pace was a bit slow at the beginning but after four furlongs the race started to go faster.

"He's a champion, he did the same performance as in Leopardstown. He had the time, five weeks between the two races, which was perfect.

"He beat Found a little further today because I think she felt the Arc in her legs, just 13 days ago, but still she's a champion, too. With him, Found, Minding - it really is Champions Day.

"I wanted to keep him at this distance, we keep him next year and we'll see if he goes to the Arc then. He'll have a good rest in the winter and we'll see where we go in the spring.

"He was quite backward at two, he didn't show he was a Group horse but he improved from race to race, with each race he got better.

"I would rank him very high. It's fantastic for me to win this, it is my third Group One winner here and second in the Champion Stakes having won the race when it was back in Newmarket."

With Found having contested no fewer than seven Group One races this campaign, her trainer Aidan O'Brien suggested a trip to America for next month's Breeders' Cup appears unlikely.

O'Brien said: "I'm delighted for her, she only ran in the Arc two weeks ago.

"She's a great mare and she still kept coming with her head down.

"Ryan (Moore) gave her a great ride as she was drawn out wide which is a difficult enough place.

"She looked great and was well in herself. I'm not sure about the Breeders' Cup, the lads will have to talk about that.

"Highland Reel will be going for the Turf so I'm not sure if she will go. The climate is different from last year as it will be very fast ground."

Plans to travel abroad may not be on the agenda for Found, but trainer John Gosden said a trip to Dubai will be on the cards for Jack Hobbs, who finished a valiant third on his return from injury and first start since pulling up in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket in May.

He said: "It's great to have the old boy back as it has been a long road with him and we know he's a mile-and-a-half horse.

"He's run a blinder and will go to Dubai for the Sheema Classic."