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| Staff Writer |
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For erstwhile jockey and leading Japanese trainer Murayama, it was never about ‘I did X, I need to do Y now.’ Instead, it is all about training quality horses to win more prestigious races and improving on his work at the A-Team stables.
Murayama, who was born in Higashi-Murayama in Tokyo, is no stranger to international racing, having worked for leading trainers like Kiaran McLaughlin, John O'Shea, Jonathan Shepard, and even in Dubai Hong Kong-based trainer Anthony Cruz.
The US $1.5 million Riyadh Dirt Sprint winner-Copano Kicking was a US$100,000 purchase by owner Sachiaki Kobayashi from Top Line Sales' consignment to the 2017 Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream sale, where he breezed an eighth-mile in 0:10 flat. For trainer Akira Murayama, who attended the sale it was perfection at first sight, and he signed the ticket. The Reiley McDonald-bred 6YO gelding is out of the winning Gold Halo mare Celadon and descends from the female family of two-time French group 1 winner and sire Creator.
Copano Kicking makes his next start at Meydan in the Gr.1 Golden Shaheen. Here the Group One-winning trainer, Murayama speaks with Ten Furlongs about his ambitions for his stable star and his Riyadh experience
Q: Congrats on your Riyadh Dirt Sprint win! Please tell us about Copano Kicking and his personality? What was the aspect of his skill that helped him defeat his other contenders on Saudi Cup night?
A: His racing style is flexible. He is a good goer so he can take a front position easily, and he can also move up from the rear position. In Riyadh Dirt Sprint, he drove in the final stretch and won the race. Jockey, William Buick performed very well and guided the horse victory.
Q: Please tell us about your ambition for him on DWC night? Do you have any concerns about the track or unexpected rain or other contenders or anything else?
A: I’ve heard that the track of Meydan Racecourse is similar to the track in America. Copano Kicking was born in America so I think he can get the upper hand on that point.
On the other hand, all the contenders in Dubai will be much stronger and that’s what I’m worried about.
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Q: What are your plans for Copano Kicking for the rest of the year?
A: Depending on the result in Dubai, I would take participating in the Breeders’ Cup meeting into consideration.
Q: What was the Saudi racecourse like and how did you enjoy your visit? What are your learnings from that experience for Copano Kicking and how do you hope to apply it in Dubai?
A: We took special care to set up a comfortable environment for the horse in Saudi Arabia just like when he was in Japan, and we are doing the same thing in Dubai.