Bago ruled out of Breeders' Cup

Report: Bago wins Arc

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Bago will not contest the Breeders' Cup Classic in America but will race on next season.

The colt, trained by Jonathan Pease, was originally set for a showdown with 2003 Classic winner Pleasantly Perfect in the 10-furlong race on 30 October.

But he will miss the meeting at Lone Star Park, Texas, and be aimed at Europe's major races in 2005.

Bago's campaign is likely to include an attempt to win the Arc again in France.

Alan Cooper, racing manager to owner the Niarchos family told the Racing Post: "We have decided to bypass the Breeders' Cup as Bago will stay in training as a four-year-old.

"Bago's objectives during the early part of the season will be European races around 10 furlongs like the Prix Ganay, the Prince Of Wales's Stakes and the Eclipse.

"Later we will be looking at events like the King George at Newbury before another attempt to win the Arc. Then it could be a Breeders' Cup race at Belmont Park."

Pease said he was delighted the colt will carry on racing.

"It is a very sporting decision as things can go wrong and it is going to be a very great challenge," said Pease.

"Bago is very well and I am looking forward to next year."