Do Deuce unanimously selected as Horse of the Year
Wednesday, 08 January, 2025 23:03
The 2024 JRA Awards Selection Committee convened on January 7 at Japan Racing Association HQ in Minato City, Tokyo, and unanimously selected Do Deuce as the Best Older Male Horse. Additionally, he was crowned Horse of the Year, earning the highest honour in Japanese horse racing. He will stand at stud at Shadai Stallion Station in Hokkaido, passing the baton to the next generation. The awards ceremony will take place on January 27 in Tokyo.
Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi expressed his gratitude, saying, "It's all thanks to everyone's support. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to owner Masaaki Matsushima, jockey Yutaka Take, the team at Northern Farm, and, above all, Do Deuce himself." Owner Masaaki Matsushima added, "This is a tremendous honour, and I am deeply grateful. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved. Such achievements are rare for an owner, and I feel immense gratitude."
The journey, however, was far from smooth. Do Deuce's first start of 2024 in the Dubai Turf was marred by a slow break that proved costly, leading to a disappointing fifth-place finish. In the Takarazuka Kinen, soft ground seemed to dull his trademark turn of foot, resulting in a sixth-place finish. The first half of the year was marked by frustration.
However, the second half saw Do Deuce return to his peak form. In his autumn debut, the Tenno Sho (Autumn), he stunned fans with a remarkable final 3 furlongs in 32.5 seconds, storming from last to first in a breathtaking performance. He followed this with a victory in the Japan Cup, showcasing his explosive late speed and igniting fervour among fans. Yutaka Take praised the horse, saying, "He is truly deserving of Horse of the Year."
Though his farewell race was meant to be the Arima Kinen, Do Deuce was withdrawn two days prior due to lameness in his right foreleg. Despite this, his legacy remains indelibly etched in the hearts of fans.
Do Deuce now begins his new chapter as a stallion at Shadai Stallion Station in Abira, Hokkaido. His stud fee for the first season has been set at JPY 10 million. Trainer Tomomichi offered his encouragement, stating, "I hope he can excel as a sire, even more than he did as a racehorse, and remain active at stud for many years." The story of this extraordinary horse will live on through his progeny, continuing the legacy of his dramatic career.
Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi expressed his gratitude, saying, "It's all thanks to everyone's support. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to owner Masaaki Matsushima, jockey Yutaka Take, the team at Northern Farm, and, above all, Do Deuce himself." Owner Masaaki Matsushima added, "This is a tremendous honour, and I am deeply grateful. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved. Such achievements are rare for an owner, and I feel immense gratitude."
The journey, however, was far from smooth. Do Deuce's first start of 2024 in the Dubai Turf was marred by a slow break that proved costly, leading to a disappointing fifth-place finish. In the Takarazuka Kinen, soft ground seemed to dull his trademark turn of foot, resulting in a sixth-place finish. The first half of the year was marked by frustration.
However, the second half saw Do Deuce return to his peak form. In his autumn debut, the Tenno Sho (Autumn), he stunned fans with a remarkable final 3 furlongs in 32.5 seconds, storming from last to first in a breathtaking performance. He followed this with a victory in the Japan Cup, showcasing his explosive late speed and igniting fervour among fans. Yutaka Take praised the horse, saying, "He is truly deserving of Horse of the Year."
Though his farewell race was meant to be the Arima Kinen, Do Deuce was withdrawn two days prior due to lameness in his right foreleg. Despite this, his legacy remains indelibly etched in the hearts of fans.
Do Deuce now begins his new chapter as a stallion at Shadai Stallion Station in Abira, Hokkaido. His stud fee for the first season has been set at JPY 10 million. Trainer Tomomichi offered his encouragement, stating, "I hope he can excel as a sire, even more than he did as a racehorse, and remain active at stud for many years." The story of this extraordinary horse will live on through his progeny, continuing the legacy of his dramatic career.
Article Creds:Daily Sports