Francis-Henri Graffard is making no excuses for Channel's disappointing display in the Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.
Having provided her trainer with a first Classic success in the Prix de Diane at Chantilly in June, she travelled from France in a bid to double her top-level tally on the Sussex Downs.
However, she could finish only seventh of nine runners behind Japanese ace Deirdre.
Graffard said: "It was disappointing, but I don't want to make any excuses. The race was just too strong for her."
Graffard is keen to let the dust settle before committing Channel to future targets, but added: "She has come out of the race well. We could look at the Prix Vermeille, but we'll assess her between now and then."
