Americain to return to France in Cup bid

Tue 29 May

2010 Melbourne Cup winner Americain is heading back to France.

Connections have confirmed Americain will return to former trainer Alain De Royer-Dupre to be prepared for the 2012 Melbourne Cup.

American had been trained by David Hayes since last year’s Cup which included Group One placings in the Autumn in both the Australian Cup and the BMW.

Strapper Stephanie Nigge who has continued her association with the horse while in the care of Hayes, will also return to France with the horse.

This year’s Spring Carnival will be the horse’s final preparation before heading to stud.

Connections have stressed the decision to return the horse to de Royer-Dupre was not a bad reflection on Hayes, but instead an attempt to give Americain the best possible chance of winning this year’s Cup by returning him to France.

Connections believe it was important to return him to Europe because it has proven to be a successful starting point for a Cup preparation.