[6] In September, Dernier Empereur met Hernando for the fourth time in the Prix Niel and finished second to the Boutin-trained colt, beaten one and a half lengths.
On his final appearance of the year, the colt was sent to race in California where he started an 89/1 outsider for the Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita Park and finished unplaced behind Kotashaan.
After a break of almost three months, the colt returned at Deauville in August and finished third in the Prix de Hastings, beaten a short neck and a nose by Red Bishop and Djanord.
On a dull, foggy day,[8] he started the 8/1 fifth choice in the betting behind Hatoof, Grand Lodge, La Confederation (Sun Chariot Stakes) and Muhtarram.
A furlong out, Grand Lodge had opened up a clear advantage from Mehthaaf, Muhtarram and Hatoof, but the leader was beginning to tire and Guillot was making rapid progress.
After winning a minor race at Vichy in August he attempted to repeat his previous success in La Coupe de Maisons-Laffitte but was beaten three lengths by Gunboat Diplomacy.
In autumn he ran twice on dirt in the United States, finishing fourth behind Cigar in the Jockey Club Gold Cup[11] and seventh behind Silver Fox in the Stuyvesant Handicap.
On 9 August at Del Mar, the horse won his first race in North America when Pat Valenzuela rode him to victory in the Escondido Handicap over eleven furlongs.
In September he contested the Grade I Canadian International Stakes at Woodbine Racecourse in Toronto but endured a "rough trip"[12] and finished fifth of the seven runners behind Singspiel.
Dernier Empereur' last race was the Grade II Carleton F. Burke Handicap over one and a half miles at Santa Anita Park on 4 November.
[12] Dernier Empereur was being prepared for a run in the Japan Cup when he fractured his left front cannon bone in a training gallop at Hollywood Park.