Leading Japanese trainer Yoshito Yahagi has revealed The Saudi Cup was the first thing on his mind when Marche Lorraine won the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Distaff at Del Mar last November.
Despite a possibility that the six-year-old mare would retire after her success in California, connections were keen to run one more time – and the $20 million Saudi Cup on Feb. 26 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh will provide the setting for her send-off.
The Japanese superstar recently returned to full training ahead of her Saudi Cup mission and she will join some of the best dirt horses on the planet contesting the nine-furlong race.
Last year's winner Mishriff, Japan Champions Cup winner T O Keynes, and the highly-progressive US-trained Mandaloun are just a few of her potential rivals, with entries from America, Europe, South America and Asia.
Speaking about the decision to run in The Saudi Cup, Yahagi said: “It was immediately after the Breeders' Cup Distaff… I thought The Saudi Cup should be her next race if she ran one more time. There was a possibility that Marche Lorraine would retire after the Breeders' Cup.
“She needed to have a period to relieve fatigue and spent an easy time at the Shigaraki Branch of Northern Farm. She returned to my barn at Ritto Training Centre on Jan. 27.”
Three-time Japanese Champion Trainer, Yahagi, was surprised by Marche Lorraine's win in America, but hopes that she can run to that level again in Riyadh and achieve a similar send off to Loves Only You, who followed her Del Mar win with a triumphant final outing in the Hong Kong Cup.
He said: “With regard to the Filly & Mare Turf, I thought Loves Only You had enough ability to win the race, and I was deeply moved to become the first Japanese trainer to win a race at the Breeders' Cup. It was kind of a surprise – even for me – to watch Marche Lorraine win the Distaff to be frankly honest.
“First of all, I want her to complete the race safely, as she will be a mother soon. While I understand the competition is very tough, I hope she performs well enough, like at the Breeders' Cup.”
