Americain stumbles at Deauville

Melbourne Cup winner Americain beat just three home in the G2 Prix Kergorlay (3000m) at Deauville on Sunday.

Americain (6h Dynaformer – America by Arazi) began Cup his defence with a Listed victory in the Prix de Reux (2500m) on August 2, however, he was never a factor back at Deauville after stumbling at the start.

“The ground was too fast for him and he nearly fell on his knees coming out of the stalls,” trainer Alain Royer-Dupre said.  “He couldn’t relax and they quickened brutally in the straight.  You mustn’t write him off as he was unfavoured by the race from start to finish.”

British raider Jukebox Jury (Montjeu) scored a comfortable all-the-way victory and trainer Mark Johnston will set him for the Irish St Leger and Canadian International.

Manighar pleased trainer Luca Cumani with a solid fourth placing.  “It was a good run,’ Cumani said.  “It was set up for the winner and his target will be the Melbourne Cup again.”

Manighar (Linamix) finished seventh to Americain at Flemington last November.