- jogged 3 laps, cantered 2 laps left-handed in exercise track (around international stables)
- cantered 1 lap left-handed (dirt course)
(exercised from 7:25 to 7:46, ridden by Alexis Larue)

<Joint Press Conference>

Trainer (T): Jean-Pierre Gauvin
Jockey (J): Marie Velon

Q: How far have you come with your training before leaving your country, in bringing your horse ready for the Japan Cup?

T: Iresine had two starts during the fall in preparation towards the Japan Cup and, although Iresine had suffered myositis in late August, he was 100 percent fit in the first of his starts, the Prix Foy which he ran a good race on good track condition. Between then and his second and latest start, the Prix du Conseil de Paris, his training was kept light in order to keep him fresh and it worked very well with the outcome being very good, so we decided to repeat in the same manner with his training towards his trip to Japan. Iresine is not a good traveler, but he handled the 36-hour trip well although we had initially planned to fly him by Air France from Charles de Gaulle Airport and give him a day rest on the way at Chantilly. The flight unfortunately was cancelled and he had to instead endure a strenuous 10 hours plus transport by horse van to Frankfurt, had to wait 6 hours to board the flight, then another 13 hours to Narita and finally another truck ride to the racecourse—all in all I think it took about 36 hours. Knowing that the horse does not travel very well, having “Marcan” a traveling companion with him was essential and it worked very well as he was calm throughout and is getting better and better with traveling. Marcan also functions as a lead horse during training.

After arriving in Tokyo, we kept the first two days very light, especially as we found on Monday that he had developed the same myositis as he did in late August which probably is due to the stress he’s been through coming here. We adjusted his training to within the stable area, the underground path and going to and from the main track, etc. and getting him acquainted to his new surroundings. The JRA veterinarians, who are very competent meanwhile were very helpful in resolving the problem as quickly as possible and rehydrating the horse and such, so his condition is improving by the day. The gate test went well, he went to do a light canter on Wednesday and I was pleased with him today, the goal in Tokyo was to just bring him back to his average daily work so that he would find the same condition as when he left, without doing more intense work.

Q: Iresine has come in within third place in all his starts on turf and at the distance of 2,400 meters which is the same as the Japan Cup. Would you say that this is his best distance? Also, how would you judge his suitability to the turf condition here at Tokyo Racecourse?

T: In fact, I think 2,400 meter is ideal for the gelding. He has shown that he’s very versatile in his distance. His first group one victory was won at 3,100 meter over very heavy going at Longchamp, where he showed his staying power, but after that he also won a group one in the Prix Ganet at 2,100 meters, and I think it is very rare for a horse to able to win in two completely different categories, but ideally 2,400 meters would be even better (than 2,100) as he is a horse that has a good late charge which is more of an advantage in a longer distance. In the Prix d’Harcourt, he was not 100% and lost to Simca Mille which he would beat in the next Prix Ganay—it was due more on how ready Iresine was in his condition than the track condition but it is true that Iresine does well over heavy goings while many horses don’t do well on giving ground. He is adaptable in both distance and track conditions but we’ll have to see how he adapts to the race development and the track in the Japan Cup.

Q: You’ve already had experience racing here in Japan having come here for the World All-Star Jockeys at Sapporo. Can you tell us your impression of Tokyo Racecourse?
J: I’m really looking forward to finding out what it’s like to race here at the Tokyo Racecourse. My experience in Sapporo was truly extraordinary, but the grandeur of this racecourse is more impressive. I can’t wait to feel the atmosphere of the Japan Cup also.

Q: Do you think that the track here will suit Iresine?
J: We will of course find out on Sunday, but I’m not worried because Iresine is an easy horse with the ability to adapt and I think the Tokyo’s long stretch will please him. We know that the race is going to be fast-paced, but the long straight will let him find his stride and we’ll hope for the best.