Idaho in Japan For Japan Cup and Barney Roy retired to stud
Japan Cup hopeful Idaho enjoyed some light exercise on Friday after arriving in the country ahead of his big-race date. The Aidan O'Brien-trained four-year-old is due to undertake his next international challenge in the 12-furlong event at Tokyo racecourse on November 26 after racing in America, France and Canada on his last three starts. Idaho arrived in Japan on Thursday and is stabled at the JRA Horseracing School in Shiroi City with O'Brien's assistant TJ Comerford overseeing his preparations.
Comerford told www.japanracing.jp: "A day has passed since arriving here, but he doesn't look tired and his weight hasn't changed much. As we did when we travelled him to the United States, we will train him with a right-handed trot and a left-handed canter here in Japan as well. We will gradually adjust his training menu to what we normally give him back home."
Barney Roy , winner of this year's St James's Palace at Royal Ascot, has been retired to stud. The Richard Hannon-trained colt also finished second in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and was beaten just a nose by Ulysses in the Eclipse at Sandown during the 2017 campaign. He signed off with a disappointing ninth place behind Cracksman in last month's Champion Stakes and will now stand at Dalham Hall Stud for a fee of £10,000.
Hannon told www.darleyeurope.com: "Barney Roy is by far the best colt I have trained and the most athletic horse I have seen. We look forward to seeing his yearlings at the sales."
Sam Bullard, director of Darley stallions, added: "Barney Roy was the leading miler of his generation, and ran with great credit over 10 furlongs too, beaten only a nose in the Eclipse in a time that would have won him almost any other running. If his stock inherit his zestful way of running and ferocious tenacity in the finish, they will surely do well."