Danon Decile ends Rebel’s Romance in dazzling Dubai Sheema Classic duel

Danon Decile proved to be yet another emerging international superstar for Japan with a decisive victory in the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic while delivering nation their third crowning victory in a glittering Dubai World Cup night.

In a deep and constantly evolving event, last year’s Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) hero was given a sensible and patient ride by Keita Tosaki as the pace up front changed frequently.

At first it was Danon Decile’s compatriot Shin Emperor, the Japanese Derby third who has already established himself in the global arena and scored in Saudi Arabia last month, out in front before Godolphin’s defending champion Rebel’s Romance took over with around 1400m to go.

William Buick and Rebel’s Romance looked to have the race at their mercy turning into the home straight before Durezza threw down the first challenge with 400m remaining.

Tosaki, however, was beginning to gather momentum on Danon Decile and the handsome chestnut charged past the pair on what was only his tenth start and his first outside his homeland in a time of 2:27.05.

French challenger Calandagan began his own run even later but closed through for second, a length and a quarter behind, with Durezza shading Rebel’s Romance for the minor placing.

It was an equally important win for Danon Decile’s promising trainer, Shogo Yasuda, whose father Takayuki prepared the legendary sprinter-turned-sire Lord Kanaloa, while Tosaki had finished second in the 2021 Dubai World Cup on Chuwa Wizard.

“He’s a very, very good horse,” said Tosaki, three-time champion jockey in Japan. “There was huge pressure on me so it’s fantastic to win this race.

“For the people watching at home in Japan so late, I am so happy, thank you so much.”

Tosaki added: “He was excited before the race but he settled when he got into the stall. He ran a great race, travelled really well on the bridle.

“I expected him to run a similar race to the Tokyo Yushun [Japanese Derby] and he did it.

“I knew the field was very strong but I thought Danon Decile was competitive. I am delighted we proved his ability here in Dubai.”

Francis Graffard said: “He was slow out of the stalls and he takes so much time to get into his rhythm. Mickael said during the race he was happy they weren’t going faster because he needed to get going. I don’t have any excuses. In the straight we were following the winner and he had the first kick. He came really fast at the end. It was a very good start of the season for him. The plan is to go to Epsom for the Coronation Cup with him, but we’ll see how he comes back from Dubai. It’s a very good run and Mickael will know him more for the future, too.”