Racing: Americain aims for Cup from France

Americain will be reunited with his French Melbourne Cup-winning rider Gerald Mosse in the BMW today. Photo / Getty Images

Americain is returning to his former trainer Alain De Royer-Dupre to be prepared for the 2012 Melbourne Cup.

Part-owner Colleen Bamford confirmed that the seven-year-old would be flown back to France last night after having an autumn campaign with David Hayes.

Bamford said the decision was made in the best interests of Americain who, for the last two years when trained by Dupre, made successful spring carnival raids.

He won the 2010 Geelong and Melbourne Cups while last year he took out the Moonee Valley Cup and Zipping Classic and was a luckless fourth to Dunaden in the Melbourne Cup.

His three runs for Hayes featured two Group One placings, in the Australian Cup (2000m) and The BMW (2400m), and a sixth to More Joyous in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick.

"He ran really well for David and this decision is no reflection on David whatsoever," Bamford said.

"We just feel that it is best to go back to do what worked incredibly well for two years.

"Chantilly is like nowhere else I have ever seen with beautiful tracks that go through the forest for miles with six or seven horses in a group, and that absolutely suits Americain.

"This horse has given us so much and we are really looking at what is the best thing for him, to keep him happy, and give him the best chance of winning another Melbourne Cup."

Bamford and her husband Kevin have been caring for Americain for the last three weeks at their Doreen property, 30km north of Melbourne.

While having a break Americain has thrived, trotting and cantering with Bamford's harness racers on a private track.

Strapper Stephanie Nigge has been by Americain's side throughout his career and will accompany him back to France. "There is going to be an awful lot of pressure on Alain taking the horse back but he is up to the task and I think he is pretty excited about it," Bamford said.

Bamford said Americain's spring campaign would be his last before going to stud in either Australia or Europe.

The stallion has won 11 of 31 starts and more than $5 million.

- AAP