Ryan Moore once again proved himself the jockey for the big occasion on the international stage when giving a masterclass performance to triumph in the 33rd running of the Grade 1 Japan Cup aboard Gentildonna in Tokoyo on Sunday.
After a steady early pace in the 1m4f contest, Moore showed his nerve when taking the lead shortly after turning for home by sending the hot favourite Gentildonna through a gap on the inside.
The four-year-old filly showed nerve to match that of her rider when hanging on to repel the late charge of Denim And Ruby to claim her second consecutive Japan Cup by just a nose. Tosen Jordan, partnered by Moore’s weighing room colleague William Buick, took third place only a neck further back.
Moore has enjoyed a stellar season on the global stage, highlighted most recently by a stunning Grade 1 double at the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita at which he triumphed aboard Magician in the Turf and Dank in the Filly & Mare Turf.
Adding to those glories, this season has also seen him capture the Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud on Novellist; the Grade 1 Beverly D Stakes on Dank; the Grade 1 Canadian International on Joshua Tree; and the UAE Derby on Lines Of Battle.
In Britain, Moore’s finest moments in 2013 included the Derby with Ruler Of The World and a famous victory for Her Majesty The Queen in the Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup with Estimate.
Gentildonna is now the winner of five Grade 1 races and is set to remain in training next year. By the great Japanesechampion Deep Impact, Gentildonna is a timely reminder of the outstanding quality of bloodstock in Britain.
Her British-bred dam Donna Blini triumphed in the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes as a two-year-old and was later purchased by Katsumi Yoshida at the 2006 Tattersalls December Mares sale for 500,000gns.
Watch race:
