Trainer Corine Barande-Barbe is in no rush to decide whether Cirrus Des Aigles will race on in 2016 after he failed to make an impact in the Hong Kong Vase on Sunday.
The nine-year-old has endured a largely disappointing campaign since clinching his seventh Group One victory in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp in May, a nd after finishing down the field on his latest visit to Sha Tin, jockey Olivier Peslier hinted retirement may be on the agenda.
Barande-Barbe is, however, keen to assess Cirrus Des Aigles' well-being when he returns to France.
She said: " He was very well after the race. The girl who is looking after him said by 4pm on Sunday he was screaming for his dinner.
"He never appreciates the ground in Hong Kong. It is very special ground and he confirmed that on Sunday."
Asked about the prospect of retirement, the Chantilly handler said: " Everybody has an opinion, but I can't say anything until I have seen the horse.
"I will see how he is when he is home. I will discuss it with the owner and then we will decide.
"The horse will tell us what he wants to do."
