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| Staff Writer |
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Daisuke Takayanagi-trained dirt specialist T O Keynes represents Japan in the US$20 million Gr.1 Saudi Cup along with Marche Lorraine, who took home dual Breeders' Cup glory in December last year.
The 5YO son of Sinister Minister was named the Japan Racing Association's 2021 Champion Dirt Horse after winning four of five starts, including the Gr.1 Champions Cup at Chukyo. This win marked trainer Daisuke Takayanagi's first Group One and third JRA graded title, earning them an invitation to line up in the world’s richest race. It was his first JRA-G1 title with a six-length margin, the greatest margin set since the race moved to Chukyo Racecourse in 2014.
T O Keynes marked a win and two thirds during his debut year and landed three more wins out of seven starts the following year, which included his first graded challenge in NAR's year-end Gr.1 Tokyo Daishoten.
The entire has now established himself as an international-calibre performer. Judging by the collateral form line through Chuwa Wizard, who was second in the Gr.1 Dubai World Cup (G1), T O Keynes would be a fascinating contender in Saudi Arabia. Kohei Matsuyama will ride T O Keynes in the big race.
With the expectation of winning the third Gr.1 Saudi Cup, Daisuke Takayanagi knows that he has his work cut out for him with his champion T O Keynes. He speaks to Ten Furlongs about how his plans for T O Keynes and much Gr.1 Dubai World Cup-winning trainer, Takayuki Yasuda, inspires him.
Q: What are your plans for T O Keynes once he arrives in Saudi?
A: T O Keynes will do a final gallop on Wednesday. On the following day, he will do some light exercise. On Friday, he will attempt some track work if he is fine. On Saturday, the day of the race, he will probably engage in some light exercise again.
Q: After the Saudi Cup, are there any plans for the horse to race on Dubai World Cup night?
A: I plan to return to Japan without going to Dubai. He usually trains on the slope course with woodchips in Japan. Trackwork on other surfaces requires a greater energy level. I am not sure whether the horse can withstand trackwork training for a month in a new location. It could prove to be too difficult for him, so I plan to return to Japan.
However, no final decision has been made so far as it depends on his condition. If there is no damage, he may run again soon, but I think he will probably need to rest a little because it will be after the long-distance travel for the race.
Q: How did this horse come to you? Could you please tell us more about the owner and your relationship with them?
A: Someone from Yanagawa Farm, where T O Keynes was bred, introduced me to the owner, Mr Tomoya Ozasa. My relationship with the owner is still quite new. He is the second horse I have trained for the owner, so I was lucky to win Group One.
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Q: What has been your favourite race in the Middle East?
A: The 2011 Dubai World Cup, where two Japanese horses named Victoire Pisa and Transcend finished first and second. The trainer Katsuhiko Sumii, who trained winner Victoire Pisa, has been my friend at the farm. Two weeks before the race, there was a tsunami in Japan called the Great East Japan Earthquake. It swept away many homes, and a lot of people died. I remember being very encouraged by the fact that despite all the tragic events happening in the country Katsuhiko Sumii was not deterred from his task. He remained dedicated and was able to bring Victoire Pisa to Dubai to win the Gr.1 Dubai World Cup.
Q: Finally, you are one of the most inspiring trainers in the world. Who inspires you to remain passionate?
A: Takayuki Yasuda inspires me. He trained Lord Kanaloa, who won the Gr.1 Hong Kong Sprint twice. I worked for him for a long time as a stable rider, and what I learned from him is the basis of my stable practice today. He specifically taught me how to get in firmly and finish the horses.