French-trained Calandagan yesterday became the first overseas horse in 20 years to win the Japan Cup in a thriller, edging Masquerade Ball by a nose in a record time.
The four-year-old, trained by Francis Graffard and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, broke Japan’s winning streak with a superb run at Tokyo Racecourse, coming home in 2 minutes, 20.3 seconds, breaking the previous mark held by Almond Eye.
It was the latest victory in a superb year for Calandagan after winning the Grand Prix de St Cloud, Champion Stakes, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Photo: JIJI Press via AFP
He was also named European horse of the year earlier this month.
“The mission is accomplished,” Frenchman Barzalona said. “It was a big target for him and we’re very proud of him, he’s a very talented horse and he showed to the world today that he’s the best in the world at the moment.”
Calandagan surged down the home straight to catch Masquerade Ball at the line.
Barzalona bumped fists with his fellow Frenchman Christophe Lemaire atop Masquerade Ball after a finish for the ages.
“He’s a big fighter, my horse, and proved it today,” Barzalona said.
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