Sixpence Conquered the Yasuda Kinen and Yutaka Take Made History Once Again in Japan

The son of Kizuna achieved his first G1 triumph; Francisco Leandro added two victories over the weekend and completed his third consecutive participation at the highest level

TOKYO, Japan (Special to Turf Diario).– The Yasuda Kinen (G1) was once again the setting for a historic day in Japanese racing. This time, the main protagonist was Sixpence, who achieved the first G1 triumph of his career while allowing the timeless Yutaka Take to further expand a legend that seems to know no bounds.

At 57 years old, the rider captured his fourth victory in the prestigious event over the Tokyo turf mile, additionally becoming the oldest jockey ever to win a top-level race here.

The definition proved spectacular. Forming part of a trio that dominated the action upon entering the final 400 meters, the son of Kizuna found the necessary acceleration in the decisive stages to prevail by a neck over World's End (Lord Kanaloa), while Gaia Force (Kitasan Black) arrived with a powerful closing kick to share the second spot in a dead heat with the runner-up. Just another neck further back finished Seiun Hades (Silver State), in an extraordinarily tight finish.

Conditioned by Hiroyasu Tanaka, Sixpence had entered the race with some doubts after failing to finish better than seventh in his five previous outings at the highest level. However, the horse that had been one of the stars of his generation in 2024 finally found the consecration that many expected.

"I was called up on short notice to ride him for the first time, so I am very relieved to have done my job," Takecommented. "I spoke with his previous riders and with the trainer, who explained to me that he was a horse capable of maintaining speed until the end. My idea was to race close to the pace, even lead if necessary. He responded magnificently when I asked him and showed all his quality."

Meanwhile, the card offered another important chapter for the Brazilian Francisco Leandro, who continues to establish himself within the demanding Japanese environment. The multiple South American champion completed his third consecutive participation in a Japan Racing Association G1 by riding Long Run (Victoire Pisa) in the Yasuda Kinen, finishing in sixteenth place.

Beyond the result in Sunday's big race, the weekend balance was once again highly positive for the Brazilian-born jockey, who continued to accumulate victories and prominence.

On Saturday, he celebrated with Innisfail (Fierement), while on Sunday he visited the winner's circle once more thanks to Sonic Live (Real Impact), thus completing another standout performance within a season that finds him increasingly settled in one of the most competitive circuits in the world.

For Leandro, who weeks ago had already participated in the Victoria Mile (G1) and the Tokyo Yushun (G1) and continues to garner top-level opportunities, the present remains highly encouraging.

However, the big name of the day belonged to Yutaka Take. Because just when it seemed there were no records left to break, he found a way to write yet another golden page. And this time, it was Sixpence who allowed him to keep making history.