Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Gonbade Qabus, ridden by MATSUYAMA Kohei and trained by SUGAI Naosuke, came home first in the Saudi Royal Cup at Tokyo Racecourse on Saturday.

The race favorite Bond Girl, ridden by KAWADA Masamasa, came in second, two lengths back, followed by Strauss with Christophe Lemaire aboard.

The G3 race for 2-year-olds was the 11th race of the day and was run over 1,600 meters, with nine runners.

Gonbade Qabus is descended from legendary Japanese racehorse Deep Impact and was in his second race, having won over the same distance on the same course in June.

Ziad Saad Almogren, the Chief Executive Officer of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, praised the racing partnership between Saudi Arabia and Japan.

“This year brings us together again by holding the Saudi Royal Cup,” he said. “We at the Kingdom’s Horse Racing Club are proud to continue holding it annually at the historic Tokyo Racecourse. There is no doubt that this reflects the extent of cooperation and the depth of the relationship between the two countries in all fields.”

“Today, this sporting partnership of more than 20 years is highlighted by our attendance at the award ceremony of the Royal Cup. Likewise, we are also proud to hold the Japan Cup in Saudi Arabia every year as part of the racing season and it attracts participants from all the Gulf countries.”

“I would like to thank the Saudi Ambassador to Japan and his continued interest in following up on everything related to this Cup. I will see you at the racecourse in Riyadh on the day of the Japan Cup, scheduled to be held on February 9, 2024.”

Japan Racing Association International Department Head ISHIMARU Mutsuki told Arab News Japan that the Saudi Royal Cup is on course to be regarded as a racing classic, adding, “Japan will continue to support this and through such competition events with Saudi Arabia, we hope to continue our friendly relationship.”

AKITANI Mitsuaki, the General Manager of Tokyo Racecourse, noted the goodwill created by “horseracing diplomacy” between Japan and Saudi Arabia.

JRA officials said about teinty thousand fans attended the races.

The embassy of Saudi Arabia Japan hosted a reception at the venue attended by high-ranking Japanese officials of JRA, the foreign ministry, and diplomats.