3 minute read
Jim Bolger has paid tribute to the "much adored" Trading Leather after the colt sustained a fatal fracture when pulled up in the Japan Cup.
The Godolphin-owned four-year-old travelled well on the outside in the early stages of the Grade One event at Tokyo racecourse, but jockey Kevin Manning pulled him up before the field turned for home.
It later transpired Trading Leather, who enjoyed his finest hour when winning last year's Irish Derby, had suffered a serious injury.
Bolger told www.godolphin.com: "Trading Leather was much adored and had a tremendous career, the highlight being his Irish Derby win. His passing is tough for us all, especially my staff. This is a very sad loss."
Epiphaneia emerged victorious in the 12-furlong contest, foiling Gentildonna's bid for a third successive triumph.
Christophe Soumillon rode Epiphaneia, who could be called the winner some way out and finished four lengths clear.
Just A Way, who was so impressive in Dubai back in March, tried his best but had to settle for second, with Spielberg a further half-length back in third and the Ryan Moore-ridden Gentildonna another three-quarters of a length away in fourth.
Winning trainer Katsuhiko Sumii was pleased to see Epiphaneia live up to the promise he showed in winning last year's Kikuka Sho, also known as the Japanese St Leger, and will now discuss plans with connections.
He said: "I am relieved and happy that Epiphaneia was able to prove what he can do, because despite showing his outstanding potential in winning the Kikuka Sho, he hadn't been able to race like we'd hoped.
"He was short of motivation during the spring, so after his summer break, I focused on having him tuned up a little which didn't work out too well in the Tenno Sho. He has so much energy, which can really be hard to control, so I knew that the key to his winning was whether you can preserve that energy to the stretch.
"I would have to discuss with the owners on his future plans for next year, including any possible challenges overseas, but the Arima Kinen would be our immediate plan for next month."
Soumillon said: "It's a great opportunity to come for just a weekend and have such a good ride and win one of the most prestigious race in the world.
"It means a lot because I was unable to win this race with Buena Vista four years ago, and I am very grateful to (owner) Mr (Katsumi) Yoshida for giving me the opportunity to ride this time."