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| Rowan Anderson |
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Yoshito Yahagi brought his stayer Panthalassa from the land of the rising sun with the mission of taking out the world’s most valuable race, the $20 million Saudi Cup.
The Lord Kanaloa x Miss Pemberley entire led the entire trip under jockey Yutaka Yoshida leaving Bob Baffert’s Country Grammer relegated to second place for a second consecutive year.
In four runnings of the Saudi Cup the title has gone to four different nations with Japan becoming the latest and the 6YO stayer proving his ability impressively on both dirt and turf.
Last year trainer Yahagi took four races on the card returning this year to Riyadh to strengthen his reputations as a world class trainer.
For this card the trainer made it a winning double after Bathrat Leon took the win in the 1351 Turf Sprint presented by stc.
Hoop Yutaka Yoshida was happy post-race given the draw but the ability of his mount proving well and truly up to the task.
"When he drew barrier one my tactic was simply to take a lead. He sometimes doesn’t jump well so I concentrated on giving him a good start and he did it. When he took an early lead the others did not give too much pressure to him. The pace was not too strong for him, it was another factor for him to keep finding until the line.
"I did break well and then it was straightforward. Mr Yahagi said to me to ride my race and I would get a good result. So, I didn't think about the surface. I just rode my race and thought if he adapts to the track, it would be all right. Of course, they were coming for me in the straight, but Panthalassa always found another gear and so I kept riding. It is an unforgettable moment and I am very happy to have ridden the winner."
Trainer Yoshito Yahagi was ecstatic with the performance from both jockey and his now four times Group company winner.
"Panthalassa had a perfect start today. I applaud Yutaka's jump, it was a masterful job from the jockey. When I drew barrier one I thought this was a big advantage to him but it worked perfectly.
"I really can't believe it. I don't know if it is real at the moment. Thank you to my staff and to my horse. This horse only has one way to go. He jumped really well when he needed to and got the job done. I think I was correct that my feeling was right that he could handle the dirt. You know this is not easy. Japanese racing tries everything to improve and develop. Japanese horse racing has become more international. Of course, this is the best feeling as the prizemoney is the best!
"I will discuss with my owner after the conference and then we will decide if we go to Dubai for the World Cup, which is of course a possibility. If my owners let me go to Europe, I would love the challenge. When I started training, no one knew me and when I wore a hat they knew who I was. Today, I wore the same hat I wore at the Breeders’ Cup. I have between 200 and 300 hats. I don't count. It would be fun if they started a game where they bet on the colour of my hat."