Admire Moon Secures Dubai Duty Free for Japan

By Jason Ford
Japan had a strong hand going into the $5million Dubai Duty Free (UAE-I) and it was their Admire Moon, ridden by Japanese icon Yutaka Take, who landed the spoils in scintillating fashion.

Settled in mid-division, with Godolphin’s Best Name setting the early pace, Take switched his mount wide early in the straight to make smooth progress. Compatriot Daiwa Major led briefly two furlongs out before local hope Seihali gained the initiative for a moment but neither had an answer to Admire Moon, who hit the front over a furlong out and ran on well.

South Africa’s Linngari, who had the dreaded 16 gate in the 16-runner race, made relentless late progress to chase home the winner but Kevin Shea’s Irish-bred mount was never going to catch him while finishing a half-length behind. Daiwa Major and Katsumi Ando stayed on for third by nearly five lengths with Seihali fourth.

It was a fourth World Cup night win for the Japanese and this 4-year-old native son of End Sweep has now won eight of his 13 career starts. The $3 million triumph increased Admire Win's earnings to $6,573,919 for owner Riichi Kondo, who said earlier in the week that his horses was "sure to win.".

“I was always confident as he is such a nice horse and was always going well,” Take said.

Speaking through an interpreter, the trainer Hiroyoshi Matsuda added: “This is brilliant. I am so proud to win a race like this for Japan.”

John Deere Breeders’ Cup Turf (gr. IT) winner Miesque’s Approval, who was reluctant to go to post, was never a threat and trailed in 15th, a place ahead of Lava Man who tracked the early speed but weakened quickly three furlongs out. English Channel was 12th.