Gerry Ryan is aiming for further big-race glory with Americain after the star stayer's daughter Americain Woman (Fr) made a winning reappearance in France this week.
The Australian business tycoon was a joint-owner of the G1 2010 Melbourne Cup winner, who claimed several more Group 2 victories and has been standing at Swettenham Stud in Victoria as well as Calumet Farm in Kentucky.
Ryan bred Americain Woman out of the Rock Hard Ten mare Sister Rocks, a half-sister to the dam of another useful import for the owner, multiple Australian Group winner Puissance De Lune (Ire) (Shamardal)
He has sent the filly to young French-based trainer Stephanie Nigge, who has branched out on her own but used to work for Alan de Royer-Dupre and was instrumental in preparing Americain for his Melbourne travels.
After what can only be considered a disappointing debut at Deauville in December, where she finished last, Americain Woman had clearly turned the corner at Argentan on Wednesday as she came home half a length in front in an extended mile and a quarter maiden.
“[Sister Rocks] was based in England and I flew her over to the States [to visit Americain] and then sent her back to Ireland, where she went this year to Shamardal, who is the sire of Puissance De Lune,” Ryan told racing.com.
“They are now talking the French Oaks with her. It's very exciting. I'm excited for Stephanie as she loves the horse [Americain] and was very responsible for his success.”
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