28 June 2019
Photo Roger Barows : Japan Racing Association
This week, out of Japan, confirmation came: three Japanese runners will voyage to France in the Autumn to take part in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Gr1), on October 6 at ParisLongchamp. They are Fièrement, Roger Barows and Kiseki. Fièrement and Roger Barows were already confirmed runners, and Kiseki has now rejoined the list. This horse is coming off a second place on Sunday 23rd June 2019 in the Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin racetrack. The Takarazuka Kinen, which is run over 2,200 meters, is one of Japan’s biggest races. This race concludes the Spring season in Japan, bringing together some of their best horses. This race has a unique element: the Japanese racing fans can vote to invite 10 horses to run.
Kiseki, a 5-year-old, is trained by Katsuhiko Sumii, as is Roger Barows. He belongs to Tatsue Ishikawa, who has very similar colours to Hirotsugu Inokuma, the owner of Roger Barows: they are very close friends. Kiseki has a Group 1 win to his name, which was also his most recent win. This was back in October 2017, when he won the Japanese St Leger over following a typhoon. He took time to recover from this race, however, put in a top-class performance to finish second in the Japan Cup, the most prestigious race in Japan, in November 2018. He led at a cracking pace over the 2.400m of the race and it was only the champion Almond Eye who was able to catch him. That day Almond Eye beat the world record, thanks to the pace set by Kiseki. Kiseki is there a quite spectacular horse to watch run: he can lead at a fast pace thanks to his stamina and will fight to the line. On a softer track, should the rain come, he won’t have any trouble.
The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe takes place on the 6th October 2019 at ParisLongchamp. It was once again voted the Best Race in the World in 2018.