Top-class French filly La Cressonniere has been retired due to injury

Top-class French filly La Cressonniere has been retired due to injury.

The Jean-Claude Rouget-trained four-year-old is unbeaten in eight starts, claiming Classic glory in both the French 100 Guineas and the French Oaks last season.

However, she has not been seen in competitive action since last August after a back problem ruled her out of an intended appearance in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and having suffered a recurrence of the injury, connections have called time on her career.

Sylvain Vidal, racing manager for part-owner Gerard Augustin-Normand, said: "She has the same problem as last year and the decision has been made to retire her.

"We are disappointed, of course, but she did the job, winning the French Guineas and the French Oaks. That's life.

"The owners will make a decision what they want to do with her this week, but she could be a broodmare and could be covered this year."

Vidal issued a more positive update on La Cressonniere's brilliant stable companion Almanzor.

The Wootton Bassett colt won five of his six starts in 2016, including Group One triumphs in the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly, the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown and the Champion Stakes at Ascot.

Vidal added: "He is back on the track and Jean-Claude is happy with him.

"It is too early to say when or where he will run, but everything is good at the moment."