Historic Victory in Tokyo
Calandagan made history by becoming the first international horse in two decades to win the prestigious Japan Cup, triumphing over the Japanese favorite Masquerade Ball in a thrilling finish at Tokyo Racecourse.
The French-trained runner, guided by jockey Christophe Soumillon and prepared by trainer Jean-Claude Rouget, displayed remarkable composure and power in the final stretch, securing both the victory and a monumental prize of nearly £5 million.
Race Highlights
The 2400-meter turf race drew a strong field of local and foreign contenders. Calandagan stayed close to the leaders throughout the early stages before producing a decisive burst in the final 200 meters to edge past Masquerade Ball by a narrow margin.
Soumillon described the performance as “an incredible moment for the whole team and for French racing,” underlining the significance of breaking a 20-year drought for overseas participants.
Global and Local Reactions
Japanese fans applauded the remarkable effort from both horses. Meanwhile, Rouget expressed admiration for his team’s discipline and planning, noting the careful preparation that allowed Calandagan to adapt to Japan’s demanding race conditions.
Racing analysts observed that the win might inspire renewed international participation in Japan’s major races, restoring some of the global prestige that had waned in recent years.
“To win in Japan against their best horses is special. This is a race we have dreamed about for a long time,”
— Jean-Claude Rouget, trainer of Calandagan.
Prize and Legacy
With prize money approaching £5 million, this victory ranks among the most lucrative in modern horse racing. Beyond the financial reward, it symbolizes a major milestone for European racing on the world stage, marking Calandagan as one of the sport’s new global icons.
Author Summary:
Calandagan ended a 20-year wait for international triumph at the Japan Cup with a thrilling victory, earning nearly £5 million and global acclaim for French racing.
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