Record-breaking fourth Tokyo Daishoten for Omega Perfume as grey bows out

The hugely popular Omega Perfume rounded off his career in style on Wednesday when winning a fourth Tokyo Daishoten in a row, breaking his own record and ensuring his name will go into Japanese racing history.

Settled in midfield, the son of Swept Overboard moved up in the back straight to hit the front four-wide on the final turn, and then winning the duel with Clincher by half a length in what is the NAR circuit's only Grade 1 race, with Westerlund two lengths back in third.

NAR is the authority for racing by local governments in Japan, while the Japan Racing Association conducts all of the feature events and all other top-flight races in the nation.

The high-class six-year-old Omega Perfume bows out with ten wins from 23 starts for owner Reiko Hara.

Omega Perfume is out of the winning Gold Allure mare Omega Fragrance and is another top-level winning son of high-class American dirt sprinter Swept Overboard alongside dual Sprinters Stakes victor Red Falx.

Mirco Demuro celebrates victory on Omega PerfumeCredit: Masakazu Takahashi

Winning rider Mirco Demuro, who took his hands off the reins to celebrate, said: "I'm very happy he's made history and I want to thank him. His condition was perfect, the trainer and team have done a fantastic job."

He continued: "I worried about his habit of starting slowly but he was better than ever and he settled well near the rear. He was travelling well up the back straight and responded very well at the home turn.

"Only a very talented horse can win a Grade 1 for a fourth time in a row. I've also got to thank the spectators, who cheer me on every time."

Winning trainer Shogo Yasuda added: "I've got to thank the owner as he let me train the horse to win the Grade 1 for the fourth year in a row. I am relieved he finished off safely as that's his last run."

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