‘Since autumn he has grown up’ – Urban Chic comes of age in Japan’s St Leger

Urban Chic confirmed he was a very smart stayer in the making by landing Sunday’s Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger) in Kyoto.

Racing on the outside in the middle of the pack under Christophe Lemaire, he flew around the home bend to pass Yutaka Take’s Admire Terra and held on for the full 3000 meters to score by two and a half lengths ahead of Redentor, with Admire Terra still a nose. back in third place.

Favorite and Tokyo Yushun winner Danon Decile, who was on the inside under Norihiro Yokoyama, could not keep up the pace and finished only sixth.

Urban Chic is the second Group 1 winner from Japan Cup star Suave Richard’s first crop, following Regaleira in last year’s Hopeful Stakes. He is out of Harbinger’s winning mare Edgy Style, whose grandmother is the breed-forming Wind In Her Hair, dam of legend Deep Impact. This was a fourth win from seven starts, including a Grade 2 for owner Silk Racing and trainer Ryo Takei.

Lemaire, who followed the same race from Durezza last year, said: “I’m relieved because I selected him from four horses I rode. The 3000 meters is a long distance for him, so at first I took it easy and found his own rhythm.

Urban Chic’s maternal line goes back to the great Wind In Her HairCredit: Masakazu Takahashi

“I rode with confidence because I knew his capabilities. He could catch his breath halfway and I could ride calmly. He has a lot of potential and has matured since the fall. I think he can do his best in a group Still 1.”

Yuga Kawada, who was taken to hospital on Saturday after falling from his horse during the third race of the Tokyo meeting and missing the Kikuka Sho, announced on his social media account on Sunday that he had been discharged after thorough examinations.

Kawada plans to ride Liberty Island in the upcoming Tenno Sho Autumn, her first race after returning to Japan after finishing third in the Dubai Sheema Classic before heading to the Breeders’ Cup Classic with Ushba Tesoro.

He said: “I apologize for the concern and inconvenience. I was immediately taken to hospital and after a thorough examination and hospitalization for observation, I was discharged and am now on my way home.

“Although this accident occurred, I am grateful that both horse and human lives were saved and that the accident ended without causing major problems for subsequent horses.”

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