The JRA Awards Ceremony for 2024 was held on 27th January at a hotel in Tokyo, with the winners of the various categories in attendance. Yutaka Take, the lead rider of the Horse of the Year, Do Deuce, and winner of the JRA Award Special Prize, spoke about his memories of working with the horse, who was recently retired to become a stallion, and his thoughts about his future foals, who, if all goes well, will make their debuts in 2028.

Yutaka Take, who won the JRA Special Prize as the lead rider of the 2024 Horse of the Year, Do Deuce, said of his retired partner. "He is a horse I have deep memories with as well as his strength. It was such an exciting time for me to be over 50 years old. I was able to meet a good horse", he said emotionally.

The veteran rider was the main jockey since Do Deuce's debut and has won five G1 races on him. "The most memorable was the Japanese Derby. I was very happy. I was friends with owner Matsushima even before he became a horse owner and we used to say things like 'one day we'll win the Japanese Derby together', like a dream. It has come true," he smiles. For himself, winning the Japanese Derby at the age of 53 was the biggest title he has won since his 20s, 30s and 40s.

Do Deuce will now begin a new life as a stallion, with runners due to debut in 2028. "He has speed and stamina, and I feel he has everything you would want as a stallion. I can't wait to ride them" he said. The JRA legend will be 60 when his first crop makes his Japanese Derby debut. Winning the Japanese Derby at 60s ---. "I hope that happens. But first of all I want to win this year. But I'll do my best. That's one of my goals." There is no end to his dreams.

It's not just about racing in Japan. As for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, he says "I want to go every year. I would be happy if the children of Do Deuce could try it too". The second chapter for the legendary Yutaka Take and Do Deuce is now underway.