Deep Impact goes on a high
By Tom Krish

December 25, 2006

Deep Impact

Japan's champion racehorse, Deep Impact powered his way to victory in his final race to end an amazing career on a high in the 1.5 million dollar Grade 1 Arima Kinen at the Nakayama Race Course. Yutaka Take was the winning jockey. Deep Impact was in the rear until the final turn. Asked for an effort in the stretch, Deep Impact passed the field with an amazing surge and had the lead with a furlong to go. The race was run over one mile 4 1/2 furlongs

."He's the fastest horse in the world. It is a privilege for me to be riding him," said Yutaka Take. Yasuo Ikee, the trainer, stated, :"he is the best there is. He proved that today."

A son of Sunday Silence, Deep Impact won 12 of 14 starts. His first loss was in the Arima Kinen in 2005 when Hearts Cry stole a march and would not relent. Deep Impact's second defeat was in the 2006 Arc at Longchamp when, as an odds on favorite, he could do no better than take third behind Rail Link and Pride. He failed a dope test and forfeited the purse money. He carried the public purse to a resounding win in the Japan Cup grass in late November. His swan song was the Arima Kinen win and he now goes to stud.