FRENCH trainer Criquette Head-Maarek rolled back the years when she followed in her father Alec's footsteps by saddling American Post to win the Racing Post Trophy in decisive fashion at Doncaster on Saturday.

Irish challenger Magritte made the running in the Group One contest, but American Post tracked him in close contention and quickened to lead in the final quarter-mile.

He soon took command under French-based jockey Christophe Soumillon and stayed on to hold Fantastic View by one and three-quarter lengths.

The trainer said: ''This is my first visit to Doncaster and as my father Alec, who watched the race on TV in Normandy and has just rung me, also won the race (with the only other French-trained winner, Green Dancer, in 1974) it means a lot to me.

''I'm so thrilled to be the second in the family to have won.

''Before the race a member of the public gave me a lucky charm. I will never let it go now and keep it close to my heart.''

She added: ''I don't know how good American Post is and there are no plans yet, because his owner Prince Khalid Abdullah has good two-year-olds here in England also, so we will speak to him and see what he wants to do.

''But Prince Khalid has never won the Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas), so I think he would like to win that.''

Middleham trainer Mark Johnston topped £2m in prize money for the second year in a row when Nero's Return, well-ridden by Keith Dalgleish, got home by a whisker from Mac Love in the Listed Constant Security Doncaster Stakes.

Johnston was at Newbury, and his wife Deirdre said: ''It was so close and I wasn't sure if he had won. But he is so tough and he came back well.

''I don't know how he stands (in the pecking order) among our two-year-olds because we have not been able to work them upsides on the High Moor, but he has a lot of scope for next season.

''And as I bought him at Doncaster sales, I am pleased he is doing so well.''

George Duffield was seen to good effect as he guided Wunderwood to his third success of the season in the Tote/Racing Post £1 Million 'Ten To Follow' Handicap.

Malton trainer John Quinn is enjoying his best season with 37 winners and pulled off a one-two in the concluding Bubwith Rated Stakes when Smart Hostess, ridden by Robert Winston, beat her half-brother Smart Predator by three-quarters off a length.