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| Staff Writer |
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Multiple JRA award winner, Fujiwara, is convinced that Shahryar is ready for his international debut at Meydan in the Gr.1 Dubai Sheema Classic on the Dubai World Cup undercard. He trained Eishin Flash to win the Japanese Derby and last year raced Vin de Garde to finish second behind Lord North in the Gr.1 Dubai Turf behind Lord North.
Shahryar will be piloted by Italian jockey Cristian Demuro in the Sheema Classic.
While 6YO Vin De Garde will be making his second attempt at the Dubai Turf title under Michael Barzalona.
Q: Do you have any concerns about Shahryar racing against leading horses from around the world?
A: When it comes to overseas expeditions, the environment will change, and many things will need to be adjusted. The most important thing to do right now is to stay healthy regardless of the circumstance. The warm climate suits Shahryar. It was much hotter on the day he won the Japanese Derby.
Q: What do you think is special about Shahryar’s pedigree and training that make him suitable for Group One races such as the Japan Derby and the Dubai Sheema Classic?
A: The horse needs to stay relaxed when running in a 2400m race. I also think that a pedigree with such instantaneous power is good.
Q: Could you explain why you don’t want Shahryar to contest in a Prep race before the Dubai Sheema Classic?
A: He isn’t the type of horse that gets better after a prep race, so there is no point considering it. He has been aimed at Dubai earlier on and finished well in his last race in Japan. He is ready to run on World Cup night.
Q: Do you have any concerns about the Meydan track for Shahryar?
A: Meydan's turf is light and fits Japanese horses. I decided to use Shahryar because I expect the surface to be suitable for him. I also chose Cristian Demuro as his jockey because he understands Japanese horses and has experience in Dubai.
Q: What are Shahryar’s travel plans, and what plans do you have for him for the rest of the year?
A: Shahryar and Vin de Garde left Japan for a direct flight to Dubai on March 15th. It is undecided after what he will be doing Dubai, but I would like to aim him at the Japan Cup in the fall.
Q: How and when did Shahryar come to you? Could you share something about your relationship with the owner?
A: I was introduced to the owners (Northern Farm) shortly after I opened the stables. Since then, they have continued to send me some of their best horses each year.
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Q: Please tell us about your other stable stars? What key races are they being aimed at?
A: Vin de Garde will run in the Dubai Turf with Jockey Michael Barzalona. Last year he ran second. This year he is in great condition and we are looking forward to watching him race in Dubai.
Red Belle Aube has been resting since last year's Japanese 2000 Guineas. In spring, I plan to run him at the Milers Cup, but before that, I’m aiming for Yasuda Kinen. He's like an F-1 machine, and it's difficult to find a jockey who can handle him.
Q: Why did you choose to become a trainer? Could you tell us more about your journey? What is the most iconic race you hope to win?
A: My father used to be a jockey and a groom. So, I wanted to be a jockey as well as I was born and raised around horses. However, I failed the jockey exam twice, so I changed my goal to becoming a trainer instead. I still have hopes of becoming a jockey.
The one race I wanted to win was the Japanese Derby. Fortunately, I fulfilled my dream when I won with Eishin Flash in 2010 and Shahryar in 2019. I still want to win it as many times as I can.
Q: What are your plans for the Bahrain International Trophy and the Saudi Cup meetings in the future?
A: I know that the Middle East focuses on horse racing. There are many races where the prize money is attractive and I would like to try them whenever I have the opportunity.
Q: Which is your favourite horse and why?
A: My most memorable horse is the Eishin Flash. He was my first horse to win the Japanese Derby. I haven't forgotten that impression, and I'll never forget it.
Q: Finally, who inspires you?
A: Kazuo Fujisawa, a former trainer, greatly inspires me. He is a Japanese legendary trainer whose achievements in the Japanese horse racing industry are enormous. All Japanese trainers and horsemen will be more or less influenced by him.
Vin de Garde will run in the Dubai Turf with Jockey Michael Barzalona. Last year he ran second. This year he is in great condition and we are looking forward to watching him race in Dubai.
Red Belle Aube has been resting since last year's Japanese 2000 Guineas. In spring, I plan to run him at the Milers Cup, but before that, I’m aiming for Yasuda Kinen. He's like an F-1 machine, and it's difficult to find a jockey who can handle him.
Q: Why did you choose to become a trainer? Could you tell us more about your journey? What is the most iconic race you hope to win?
A: My father used to be a jockey and a groom. So, I wanted to be a jockey as well as I was born and raised around horses. However, I failed the jockey exam twice, so I changed my goal to becoming a trainer instead. I still have hopes of becoming a jockey.
The one race I wanted to win was the Japanese Derby. Fortunately, I fulfilled my dream when I won with Eishin Flash in 2010 and Shahryar in 2019. I still want to win it as many times as I can.
Q: What are your plans for the Bahrain International Trophy and the Saudi Cup meetings in the future?
A: I know that the Middle East focuses on horse racing. There are many races where the prize money is attractive and I would like to try them whenever I have the opportunity.
Q: Which is your favourite horse and why?
A: My most memorable horse is the Eishin Flash. He was my first horse to win the Japanese Derby. I haven't forgotten that impression, and I'll never forget it.
Q: Finally, who inspires you?
A: Kazuo Fujisawa, a former trainer, greatly inspires me. He is a Japanese legendary trainer whose achievements in the Japanese horse racing industry are enormous. All Japanese trainers and horsemen will be more or less influenced by him.