With the great trainer and showman Yoshito Yahagi front and centre, Japan conquered at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Riyadh, as Panthalassa (JPN) led at every call in the world’s richest race, the $US20,000,000 Saudi Cup
Trained by Yoshito Yahagi and ridden by Yutaka Yoshida, the 6yo son of Lord Kanaloa held the fast-finishing Country Grammar (Tonalist) by three-quarters of a length. It was the second successive year that last year’s Dubai World Cup hero had to settle for the runner-up spot.
Panthalassa (JPN) also enjoyed success on Dubai World Cup night when dead-heating with Lord North in the Group 1 Dubai Turf.
Panthalassa (JPN) was making just his second start on dirt, having failed on the surface in Japan.
“He jumped really well when he needed to and got the job done,” Yahagi said.
“I think I was correct that my feeling was right that he could handle the dirt.
“You know this is not easy. Japanese racing tries everything to improve and develop. Japanese horse racing has become more international. Of course, this is the best feeling as the prize money is the best.
“I really can’t believe it. I don’t know if it is real at the moment. “When I started training, no one knew me. When I wore a (colorful) hat, they knew who I was.”
Japanese runners finished third, Café Pharoah (American Pharoah), fourth Geoglyph (JPN), and fifth Crown Pride (Jpn).
The feature of the night was one of four victories for Japan.
The Yahagi-trained Bathrat Leon won the Turf Sprint, and Damian Lane guided Silver Sonic to a convincing victory in the GIII Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap.
