Noseda's career takes new route

Jeremy Noseda, a key member of the Godolphin team, who was to have been set up by Sheikh Mohammed as a trainer in France next season, could go to the United States instead.

Noseda, 31, intended to establish a yard at Chantilly. However, he would have had to pass a test before being granted his licence, undergoing a six-week course conducted in French.

Justin Wadham, managing director of the Darley Stud Management Company, said yesterday: "The difficulties associated with obtaining a full licence to train in time for the 1996 season were an important factor in the decision.

"With the support of Sheikh Mohammed, Jeremy Noseda is now looking at a number of possibilities in the United States."

Godolphin's Balanchine will head to Longchamp on Sunday for the Prix Foy, one of several trials this weekend for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

The filly, winner of last year's Oaks and Irish Derby, has been off the course since a poor comeback in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.

"Nothing came to light after Royal Ascot," Godolphin's racing manager, Simon Crisford, said. "She was ready to run in the King George, but we didn't want to run her on the firm ground. She has been working very well, but we have to reserve judgement until she is back doing it on the track."

At Leopardstown on Saturday, Hernando, last year's Arc runner-up, is one of 10 raiders taking on four Irish-trained horses in the Champion Stakes. Dermot Weld's Definite Article leads the defence, while Pentire is Britain's main representative.