Ahead of Upcoming Horse Racing Season, Japanese G1 Winner Jack D’Or Unveils Future Plans

The arrival of the New Year has brought along the excitement and anticipation of the world’s richest horse racing competition. Among the many races that highlight the racing calendar, the Saudi Cup reigns atop with its early-year schedule and a glistening purse. Today, as the new season and the finest horses gear up for an entry, one of the champions has been revealed to be entering the unexplored terrain.

The Saudi Cup is known to host over a hundred horses across 16 of its races annually. With $20 Million at stake and 13 horses per race, rush to clinch the crown across the 1,800-meter course. For the newest entry, Jack D’Or, the grounds shine a new scene, having persistently triumphed over the Turf.

Saudi Cup fetches a new entry

The World Horse Racing on Jan 5th announced Kenichi Fujioka-trained Jack D’Or’s entry into the Saudi Cup. “RIYADH CALLING. Japanese G1 winner JACK D’OR is aiming towards the Saudi Cup,” the post on X read. However, for the 8-race winner, the event can be challenging, considering his primary dominant ground is Turf. “Like PANTHALASSA, he is a noted leader on turf and is set to make his dirt debut in the world’s richest race!” the post further read. 

Panthalassa, the 2023 Saudi Cup champion, held a dominant force on the turf course. October Stakes, Dubai Turf, Japan Cup, and more, have been Panthalassa’s victory grounds. Following along, Jack D’Or holds a similar pattern with his records. The 6-year-old has recorded his wins on Turf, including G1 Osaka Hai. Having recently lost momentum, Jack D’Or looks to further his career map with the Saudi Cup.

The horse racing champion eyes a comeback 

Jack D’Or marked his horse racing debut back in 2020. Following multiple G1 and G2 races, the 6-year-old stands with 16 starts and eight wins. Out of the three runs in 2023, Osaka Hai at Hanshin was the only win recorded for the equine’s name. In a field of 16, Jack D’Or left behind the favorite Stars On Earth by a nose to clinch an awaited victory. 

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“When I saw his good run off the home turn, I felt he would win. The autumn target would be the Tenno Sho Autumn, and I would like to choose the steps to it,” trainer Fujioka had stated after the win. However, the race did not yield the desired results. Jack D’Or’s previous win had arrived in 2022 Sapporo Kinen. The 6-year-old defeated Panthalassa in the race to claim a 7th win. Following along with his potential, Jack D’Or hopes for a remarkable horse racing comeback at the Saudi Cup. 

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