The 44th Japan Cup once again solidified its status as one of the premier international horse racing events. Held at Tokyo Racecourse on November 24, 2024, the race featured elite talent from Japan and across the globe, with top horses competing for a prize pool of ¥1,085,000,000 (approximately $7.7 million).

Race Highlights

• Winner: Do Deuce (JPN)

The race favorite, ridden by the legendary Yutaka Take, delivered an electrifying last-to-first performance, clinching his fifth G1 title. This victory adds to his remarkable career wins in the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (2021), Tokyo Yushun (2022), Arima Kinen (2023), and Tenno Sho (Autumn, 2024).

• Runner-Up: Shin Emperor (FR)

The three-year-old colt put up a fierce fight, finishing just a neck behind Do Deuce with an impressive late burst of speed.

• Third Place: Durezza (JPN)

Sharing second place in a dead heat, Durezza showed tenacity in the stretch but was unable to outmatch Do Deuce’s acceleration.

A slow early pace defined much of the race, with no horse eager to set the tempo. Do Deuce, positioned at the rear for most of the run, displayed exceptional stamina and speed in the final stretch, overcoming Durezza and holding off a determined Shin Emperor. The pace favored closers, and Do Deuce capitalized with the fastest late kick.

Key Performances

• 4th Place: Cervinia (JPN) – The talented filly ran a commendable race but couldn’t keep up with the winner’s closing speed.

• 5th Place: Justin Palace (JPN) – Consistent and determined, he narrowly missed the top four in a strong effort.

• 6th Place: Goliath (GER) – The top foreign finisher, Goliath stayed competitive but struggled to match the pace late.

Trainer and Jockey Records

• Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi secured his 21st G1 title, while Yutaka Take extended his Japan Cup record to five wins, previously earning victories aboard Special Week (1999), Deep Impact (2006), Rose Kingdom (2010), and Kitasan Black (2016). Take praised Do Deuce’s maturity and stamina, calling him an “exceptional horse.”

International Contenders

Three international stars joined the field:

• Auguste Rodin (IRE) – Finished 8th after struggling with the slow pace.

• Fantastic Moon (GER) – 11th place, unable to find rhythm in a race that didn’t suit his running style.

• Goliath (GER) – Best among the foreign horses, finishing 6th despite a challenging trip.

Next Steps for Do Deuce

Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi hinted that Do Deuce’s career might conclude with one final appearance in the Arima Kinen, where he hopes to see another extraordinary performance.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 Japan Cup was a thrilling showcase of international talent, but it was Do Deuce who stole the spotlight with a masterful display of speed and endurance. With this victory, he cements his place among Japan’s racing legends.