'There was no way he was going to lose' - local heroes Yutaka Take and Do Deuce strike in Japan Cup with Auguste Rodin eighth

The world’s best descended on Tokyo for the Japan Cup but it was local legend Yutaka Take who prevailed, delivering a perfectly timed ride aboard Do Deuce to win the race for the fifth time.

Deep Impact is among Take's five winners and he kicked off a now-19-year streak for the hosts in 2006. One of his highest-profile sons, Auguste Rodin, was unable to strike a blow on his final run for Aidan O’Brien on Sunday, finishing eighth.

Do Deuce was last of the 14 runners for much of the way, making ground only in the final few yards of the back straight, but it proved to be the race-winning move as a motionless Take cruised widest and fastest past Auguste Rodin in midfield on the turn for home before surging to the front.

Durezza, ridden by a William Buick in scintillating form on his return to Japan, kept the pressure on the leader in the final furlong, along with the strong-finishing Shin Emperor, but neither could reach the favourite as they dead-heated for second, a neck in arrears.

The love for Take, 55, is huge and chants for the rider in his 38th year with a licence echoed around the city-circuit track from the near-80,000 spectators packed in. 

• Watch the full replay of the 2024 Japan Cup

Take, who continues to quash retirement rumours, said: “I love horseracing and always have this feeling of wanting to win, which is something I’ve been able to keep. That’s the number one thing in why I’ve continued my racing career.

“When I come across a wonderful horse like Do Deuce, that feeling gets stronger. Every day is a happy day for me, but it’s a bit sad there’s only one more race for the horse. I’ll keep trying my best and hopefully I can continue to have a future as well.

“We had three wonderful horses from overseas running in the race and I’m appreciative of that. The Japan Cup is an even more exciting race for it. It's special for me to ride against better horses. I hope the Japan Cup will continue to be a leading race around the world. That would make me very happy.”

There was huge confidence behind the 13-10 market leader and trainer Yasuo Tomomichi was delighted a global audience got to witness the five-year-old's talent. 

The son of Heart’s Cry famously defeated the great Equinox in the 2022 Japanese Derby over course and distance, but that season ended in disappointment as he beat just one home in the Arc won by Alpinista.

Having been among those on the receiving end of Equinox’s rise to world-champion status in 2023, Do Deuce finished the year with victory in the Arima Kinen, and he produced another high-class performance on his Japan Cup warm-up to win the Group 1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) last month. He will retire after the Arima Kinen next month.

Yutaka Take celebrates after winning the Japan Cup on Do DeuceCredit: Masakazu Takahashi

“We had a miserable experience overseas,” said Tomomichi, who was winning the race for a second time after Cheval Grand in 2017. “This time we were running on a Japanese track and there was no way he was going to be defeated. 

“I think he’s been strong on the day and I was really glad he was able to show that to the fans. I want everyone all over the world to see that performance and not what we saw in Dubai or France.”

King George winner Goliath finished best of the overseas runners in sixth, with German raider Fantastic Moon 11th.

Read more:

'An incredible journey' - Auguste Rodin given post-racing farewell by 15,000 Japanese racing fans 

Signing autographs in the streets and Marquand mania - a day in the wacky world of Japanese racing fans 

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