More Saudi Cup success for Yoshito Yahagi with Neom hero Shin Emperor

Chestnut colt made all the running under Ryusei Sakai

Image:Shin Emperor (FR) and Ryusei Sakai are on the board for Japan in the US$2m Howden Neom Turf Cup

Credit: Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia //Mathea Kelley

Saturday 22 February, 2025 – Japanese master trainer Yoshito Yahagi was back in the winner’s enclosure at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse once again as Shin Emperor (FR) took the US$2m Howden Neom Turf Cup with authority.

Yahagi is up to five wins at The Saudi Cup meeting, including with Panthalassa in The Saudi Cup itself in 2023 and Shin Emperor, a brother of Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Sottsass who had tried to win the same French title itself last year before running second in the Japan Cup, is in his latest wave of international campaigners.

The chestnut swiftly took up the running under Ryusei Sakai, with Trustyourinstinct (IRE) on his tail but he extended into the home straight and his advantage was never threatened as he passed the post a length and three-quarters in front of Calif (GER) and Al Riffa (FR) in a time of 2:07.743.

Quotes:

Ryusei Sakai, jockey, Shin Emperor, 1st: "We planned to go to the front, he was travelling very nice and relaxed and I was very comfortable all the way.

"Another horse was there on the outside, but my horse was better, so I had no worries. I knew I was going to win. He has improved and keeps improving and will run maybe in the Dubai Sheema Classic next time. Always nice to win at The Saudi Cup."

Yoshito Yahagi, trainer, Shin Emperor: "Shin Emperor was definitely the best horse in the field. For our strategy, as long as he jumped well, he would take the lead to avoid some disadvantages or interference.

"With 200m remaining, I was convinced he would win. In consideration of today's track condition and bias, we thought the front position would be advantageous.

"Right after the Japan Cup last year, we have been targeting this race. He is a very versatile type of horse and can handle any distance, so I would like to ask someone who can tell me which distance is the best for him.

"We will go to the Dubai Sheema Classic next but as for the further plan, we have to discuss with the owner. In my mind, I would like to go to Ascot and York."

Fawzi Nass, trainer, Calif, 2nd: "He ran very well. Probably the slower pace affected him, but he was beaten by a Group 1 horse. Obviously he took the shortest route along the rail with a slow pace and it took time to get out and get going. Once he did, he finished the race well. The Sheema Classic is next."

Joseph O’Brien, trainer, Al Riffa, 3rd: "He ran a really good race and came home strong. It was his first race, so he was entitled to that. We are delighted with him and we’ll see how he pulls up and make plans from there."

James Doyle, jockey, Haunted Dream, 4th: "Delighted with him, he is an amazing horse really. He started off life on [a UK handicap mark of] 65 and we had a good journey with him. He amazes me, he just improves and that was a career best for him, in and around a group of Group 1 horses, so I'm very proud of him."

Oisin Murphy, jockey, Killer Ability, 10th: "I thought it was a very good performance from Shin Emperor the winner. We went a good pace and it rode like a very good race.

"So very good for The Saudi Cup meeting to have such an exceptional win. My horse didn't fire today, but he is a good horse and he is a Group 1 winner, so hopefully he will have another day."