Six hours of memory loss behind him as Rouget targets Royal Ascot glory

Jean-Claude Rouget is gearing up for a big few days and has high hopes Olmedo can add to his Group 1 tally in Tuesday's Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, a little over two weeks after the trainer watched Sottsass streak to Prix du Jockey Club success from a hospital bed.

Rouget, 65, was taken ill when landing in Paris on the eve of the Jockey Club and was diagnosed with an amnesic ictus, a temporary loss of memory function. He lost six hours of memory but was discharged from hospital the day after the Jockey Club, and on Tuesday was supervising the final turf gallops of several stable stars.

"I'm feeling better though still a little tired," said Rouget. "Personally I think it was more to do with my age than with stress. I try to take my time but of course it's a very tiring schedule, especially in the spring. It's something that can affect people once they pass the age of 60."