CASH ASMUSSEN is expected to partner French superstar Helissio for the remainder of the season in view of Olivier Peslier's contractual commitments.
Peslier, Helissio's regular partner, gives way to the Texan in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud on Sunday, as he is expected to be required to ride the Daniel Wildenstein-owned Loup Sauvage in the Budweiser Irish Derby at the Curragh.
Bruno Ridoux, racing manager to Helissio's Spanish owner Enrique Sarasola, confirmed that the new arrangement is likely to become permanent.
He said: "We don't think that it is fair to start chopping and changing riders with a horse of Helissio's calibre.
"We have to take into account that Peslier is also very unlikely to be available for tide Arc de Triomphe in October.
The Arc remains Helissio's long term target, and it is also the long range goal of Wildenstein's French Derby winner Peintre Celebre.
Helissio will be using the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud as a stepping stone towards the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot next month.
Peintre Celebre, meanwhile, sidesteps the King George. He is expected to run in the Prix Niel prior to the Arc.
Jockey Mark Rimmer was rushed to Warwick General Hospital suffering suspected serious internal injuries after a pile up at Warwick yesterday.
