Dettori makes it big in Japan

Frankie Dettori was left in a euphoric mood after bagging a fantastic big-race double in Japan this weekend.

The popular Italian grabbed glory in the Japan Cup Dirt aboard Eagle Cafe on Saturday, and produced his compatriot Falbrav to perfection to claim the Japan Cup itself at Nakayama on Sunday.

“I am really happy, and winning the two big races is out of this world,” Dettori, who shed tears of joy after being led into the winner’s enclosure, said.

And he was certainly in no mood to be denied as he did battle with American hope Sarafan close home in the penultimate leg of the World Series.

The pair flashed past the post together but it was Falbrav, ninth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on his last start, who just prevailed in a desperately tight finish with favourite Symboli Kris S in third.

Drama quickly ensued though and connections of Italy’s first Japan Cup winner had to survive a few anxious moments as Sarafan’s trainer Neil Drysdale lodged an objection after the two horses came very close together in the shadow of the post.

However, that protest was quickly dismissed and an emotional Dettori celebrated his second Japan Cup following his triumph on Singspiel in 1996.

Golan ran well enough under Kieren Fallon for Singspiel’s trainer Sir Michel Stoute although he came under pressure on the home bend and could not quite live with the principals, finishing seventh, beaten just over two lengths

Barry Hills’ Dubai Champion Stakes winner Storming Home failed to get in a blow in 15th, and Irresistible Jewel never threatened to give Irish handler Dermot Weld another big foreign success following Media Puzzle’s triumph in the Melbourne Cup earlier this month.

She finished 11th, two places in front of the French filly Bright Sky.