Leading Japanese trainer Yoshito Yahagi has revealed the Saudi Cup was the first thing on his mind when Marche Lorraine won the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Del Mar last November.
Despite a possibility that the six-year-old mare would retire after her success in California, the $20 million Saudi Cup on Feb. 26 at King Abdul Aziz Racecourse in Riyadh will provide the setting for her send-off.
The Japanese superstar recently returned to full training ahead of her Saudi Cup mission and she will join some of the best dirt horses on the planet contesting the 1,800 meter contest.
Last year’s winner Mishriff, Japan Champions Cup winner T O Keynes and the US-trained Mandaloun are just a few of her potential rivals, with entries from America, Europe, South America and Asia.
Speaking about the decision to run in the Saudi Cup, Yahagi said: “It was immediately after the Breeders’ Cup Distaff … I thought the Saudi Cup should be her next race if she ran one more time. There was a possibility that Marche Lorraine would retire after the Breeders’ Cup.
“She needed to have a period to relieve fatigue and spent an easy time at the Shigaraki Branch of Northern Farm. She returned to my barn at Ritto Training Center on Jan. 27.”
Three-time Japanese Champion Trainer Yahagi was surprised by Marche Lorraine’s win in America, but hopes that she can run to that level again in Riyadh and achieve a similar send off to Loves Only You, who followed her Del Mar win with a triumphant final outing in the Hong Kong Cup.
He said: “With regard to the Filly & Mare Turf, I thought Loves Only You had enough ability to win the race, and I was deeply moved to become the first Japanese trainer to win a race at the Breeders’ Cup. It was kind of a surprise, even for me, to watch Marche Lorraine win the Distaff to be frankly honest.
“First of all, I want her to complete the race safely, as she will be a mother soon. While I understand the competition is very tough, I hope she performs well enough, like at the Breeders’ Cup.”
