As ever, there is a wealth of international flavor to the racing at Royal Ascot with Japanese, Australian, Singapore, American and New Zealand-trained horses all set to run at the meeting. Japanese interest comes from the classy Deirdre who represents trainer Mitsuru Hashida and is an intended runner in the G1 Prince of Wales's Stakes (Wednesday, June 19).
The five-year-old daughter of Harbinger's career highlight came when capturing the G1 Shuka Sho over 10 furlongs at Kyoto in October, 2017. Deirdre has raced four times outside of Japan, which included a second and fourth-placed efforts in the 2018 & 2019 G1 Dubai Turf at Meydan.
The Toji Morita-owned mare a never nearer sixth on her latest in the G1 The FWD QEII Cup at Sha Tin on April 28. She is partnered for a second time by legendary Japanese rider Yutaka Take.
The Prince of Wales's Stakes offers the winner an expenses-paid berth to the Breeders' Cup Turf this fall at Santa Anita.
Seiko Hashida, assistant trainer and translator for his father Mitsuru, said: “It is good to be here. We come from Japan and have been to Dubai and Hong Kong with Deirdre before coming to Newmarket. The people have been very kind to us and the horse has settled in very well at Abington Place, where Jane Chapple-Hyam has been very good to us.
“Deirdre has a mixed pedigree. She is by a European horse, Harbinger, while her dam Reizend is by Special Week, who represents a fusion of Sunday Silence and the great Japanese broodmare Soninke.
“We would like to see a comfortable surface for Deirdre, not too heavy and not too firm.
“We are always fortunate to be supported by passionate Japanese horseracing fans. We hope the people at home don't drink too much sake and are still awake to watch her run!
“It is our first time going for a European race and finding out how good we are. We understand the quality of horses will be taking on like Masar, Magical and Sea Of Class, but we are looking forward to it.”
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