Danon Decile disappoints to fifth in International Stakes as Japan made to wait for another day for maiden win

Danon Decile

Danon Decile’s bid to make history for Japanese racing in the Juddmonte International Stakes came up considerably short as the colt faded down the stretch at York on Wednesday (August 20).

Danon Decile finished fifth out of six on going listed as good to firm, crossing the finish line in 2 minutes, 7.9 seconds over the 2,050 meters in the Grade 1 race. He ended up almost 10 lengths behind the winner, first choice Ombudsman of Godolphin.

The 4-year-old Danon Decile was looking to become the JRA’s first-ever horse to win the International Stakes in the association’s fourth try.

As it stands, Zenno Rob Roy’s second place back in the 2005 race remains as the best finish by a Japanese-trained thoroughbred. Cheval Grand and Durezza took a crack at it in 2019 and 2024 but failed to break through, finishing eighth and fifth, respectively.

Hopes had been high for Danon Decile, last year’s Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) winner who was coming off a resounding victory in the Dubai Sheema Classic in March, the Epiphaneia son’s maiden win overseas.

But it was not meant to be on this afternoon with a wild unfolding of the race.

“It turned out to be an unusual race where we were forced into chasing the pacemaker and (Danon Decile) never had an opportunity to settle,” trainer Shogo Yasuda said. “We were perfectly aware there would be a rabbit in the race and should have known better what to expect.

“I hope we can build on this for his next start. I just want to make sure he’s safe and sound, and take him back to Japan in one piece.”

The six runners went off with Birr Castle, the Godolphin team-mate of Ombudsman, getting a big jump out of the gate and running away to open up a massive lead during the trip.
Danon Decile got the short end of the stick after Birr Castle’s boss move, being pushed to the fore of the five others - not exactly his preferred position.

Turning for home where the straight runs for a seemingly never-ending 900m, Birr Castle had more than 20 lengths on the field. Jockey Keita Tosaki gave Danon Decile the green light but did not receive the response from his mount he was looking for.

Ombudsman, on the other hand, turned on the boosters under William Buick as if he were waiting for the moment. The world’s top-ranked racehorse undeniably demonstrated his class, ending up with a win of three and a half lengths.

The Ryan Moore-ridden Delacroix trailed in second place while Birr Castle held on for third.
Tosaki was left shaking his head over the performance from Danon Decile, whose next start is expected to be in Japan.

Said Tosaki, “I walked the course with the trainer and we had a plan but it didn’t work out as we had hoped. We wanted to travel behind but that didn’t happen, which was a setback.
“He’d been coming along very well. I’d been told his buildup to the race was good. But he was a little too eager from warmups and just couldn’t run his best race on the day. The result is disappointing for sure, and it’s frustrating.

“I don’t think the going had anything to do with it. I never thought the conditions would affect him, I just don’t think it’s the reason.

“I know we had a lot of support back home. Things didn’t go according to plan and I couldn’t get him to settle, which is frustrating with the potential he has. But his whole career is ahead of him and I hope everyone will continue to back him.”

Please visit the following websites for more information.
York racecourse
Result: BHA, Racing Post