Dylan Thomas will not run in the Japan Cup (turf) at Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday, November 25, 2007. This shocking news came from Tokyo on Thursday.The Arc champion tested positive for Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) and will not be permitted to leave the Quarantine station. Japan has a ‘no tolerance’ policy on EVA. Hiroshi Ito, a Japanese Racing Association official, said, “There is no EVA in our country. It is a contagious disease. Transportation rules require that EVA testing be negative. It is disappointing.”
Testing negative for EVA is more a legal requirement than a rule of racing in Japan. The connections of Dylan Thomas should have been aware of this stringent Japanese rule, a JRA statement pointed out.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club wasted no time. An invitation went out to Dylan Thomas to race in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase on December 9. There is no breeding industry in Hong Kong and EVA testing is not required.
Dr Brian Stewart, Head of Veterinary Regulation of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, expressed optimism about Dylan Thomas racing in the HK vase. “Negotiations have started. We are hopeful we will find a way forward for Dylan Thomas to come. We will be able to protect the local horse population.”
Aidan O’Brien did not hide his disappointment. “Traces of EVA may be there because of vaccination at the Breeders’ Cup. The plan then was to take Dylan Thomas to stud in Ireland. This is unfortunate.”
Talking about the Hong Kong possibility, O’Brien continued: “The invitation paves the way for a new avenue. We have to go through a set of complex rules. I am hoping we will sort it all out.”
Meisho Samson firmed up in the betting market. The Japanese star is now a general 6-4. Admire Moon is 10-3 and 7-2. Dream Passport, Vodka and Pop Rock are around 10-1.
The Japan Cup (turf) is the 10th race in a 11-race card. It is over 2,400 metres. Eighteen run. It is an invitational event. It will be the 27th running this year. The maximum number permitted is 18. There cannot be more than 10 non-Japanese runners. The winner gets 2.1 million dollars. The winner of the Arc, the Breeders’ Cup Classic, BC Turf and (several) other races will qualify for a bonus.
In 2006, Deep Impact, Yutaka Take up, won the race as the favourite. Deep Impact finished third in the Arc and was disqualified for a drug infraction.
Frankie Dettori has won the Japan Cup (turf) three times. Olivier Peslier, Yukio Okabe and Yutaka Take have won the race twice.
The Japan Cup (dirt) over 2,100 metres will be contested on Saturday, November 24, 2007. It is the 11th race in a 12-event card. It is the eighth running of this race this year.
Sixteen run in the Japan Cup (dirt) and 16 is the limit. There cannot be more than eight foreign runners. The winner gets 1.3 million dollars.
In 2006, Alondite won this race. Hirold Goto was the winning jockey.
Yutaka Take, the perennial leader among Japanese riders, has won the dirt version three times. Frankie Dettori has won once.
Student Council leads the American challenge. Richard Migliore rides. Kandidate, Ryan Moore, and Jack Sullivan, Eddie Ahern, will carry England’s hopes. Yutaka Take rides Vermilion, Japan’s flagbearer.
Derby in 2006
Here is news about two horses coming to India to stand at stud. Admiralofthefleet, acquired by Dr Vijay Mallya, will race as a four year-old. According to the Racing Post, Zeyn Mirza, Racing Manager for Dr Mallya, has outlined plans for Admiralofthefleet. “Mike de Kock will train Admiralofthefleet. There will be a couple of warm up races before the Dubai Duty Free. After that, a decision will be made about going on to the next legs of the Asian Mile Challenge in Japan and Hong Kong.”
Admiralofthefleet is by Danehill. Another Danehill progeny, Marcus Andonicus will go to India. He has been acquired by Dr MAM Ramaswamy. Marcus Andronicus was second to Aussie Rules in the French 2000 Guineas in 2006. He has not justified that promise in subsequent runs. He was a disappointment in the Lockinge Stakes.
Sources: Racing Post and others
