Dandino and Joshua Tree failed to trouble the judge in the Japan Cup in Tokyo.
No joy for European raiders
Dandino and Joshua Tree failed to get involved in a controversial renewal of the Japan Cup in Tokyo.
Trained by James Given and Aidan O'Brien respectively, Dandino was 11th of 18 runners, with Joshua Tree faring just one place better.
Star filly Buena Vista was easily first past the post under Christope Soumillon, but was demoted into second after being adjudged to have caused interference. Trained by Hiroyoshi Matsuda, the star filly had just three behind her heading into the straight but flew home to pass the post with something to spare.
Rose Kingdom, ridden by Yutaka Take and trained by Hiroyoshi Matsuda, was awarded the race in the stewards' room after finishing second.
The first two home are both owned by Sunday Racing Compay.
Victoire Pisa finished third, with the Ryan Moore-ridden Jaguar Mail fourth.
A philosophical Soumillon told At The Races: "It's always very bad news when the stewards are not on your side, but I try to be happy.
"For me, I won the race. I was really surprised and I couldn't understand what happened.
"It was a dream come true to win this race, but racing is racing.
"I'm very unhappy for the trainer and all of her fans.
"She's the most wonderful filly I have ever ridden."
Jockey Colm O'Donoghue said of Joshua Tree: "I am happy with his performance. "He is only a three-year-old and we have a lot to look forward to.
"I am proud to have been able to ride in the Japan Cup against such a strong field of good horses from Japan, as well as overseas."
O'Brien's assistant, Thomas Comerford, added: "I think it was run a bit too slow for us.
"He was staying on and the next thing you know the other horses just passed us.
"It turned into a sprint."
Given said of Dandino: "I think it's just a lack of experience.
"In the first 400 metres, from the start to the bend, he jumped OK but wasn't quick enough into his stride, so he ended up too far back.
"He got blocked on the way but he was brave to go through that, and he picked up very nicely at the straight and have passed horses all the way up to the line.
"We were right to bring him here for the fast ground.
"This is his ground and I think he learned a lot.
"If we're invited, we'd love to come back."
Jockey Paul Mulrennan added: "His break was good and he was in a good rhythm during the trip.
"He also picked up nicely at the straight but the Japanese horses were just too good for us and it was a tough race for him."
Hashiguchi said of Rose Kingdom: "To be honest, I have mixed feelings about this race.
"Being bumped a few times didn't faze him, and he put in another effort even after that to finish second.
"His win against some of the most powerful field gives us a lot of confidence towards his future career. "
