Japan, Hong Kong Raiders Rule the Roost in Seoul

Diktaean sweeps home to take Korea Cup; Self Improvement surprises in Korea Sprint

- Sharon Zhang

Although he was not quite the winner racing fans had anticipated, veteran galloper Diktaean still ensured the Japanese flag flew high for the third year in a row.

The Katsunori Arayama-trained seven-year-old stormed home late to claim the 1.6 billion Korean won (S$1.48 million) international Group 3 Korea Cup (1,800m) at Seoul's LetsRun Park racecourse on Sept 7.

A four-time Listed winner in Japan, Diktaean won his first race overseas under a well-timed ride by jockey Takayuki Yano, further highlighting the strength of Japanese stayers after Crown Pride also won the staying feature in 2023 and 2024.

Diktaean faced 10 other runners in the field, including Japanese contender and favourite Ramjet.

The latter, trained by Shozo Sasaki, finished third to Group 1 Saudi Cup (1,800m) winner Forever Young in the 2024 Group 1 Tokyo Daishoten (2,000m), and was unplaced twice at his overseas raids in the Saudi Cup and the Group 1 Dubai World Cup (2,000m).

Clad in the red and blue silks of Japanese owner Koji Maeda - who also owns the 2023 and 2024 international Group 3 Korea Sprint (1,200m) winner Remake - the Majestic Warrior four-year-old was up on the pace once the gates sprang open in the Korea Cup.

Ridden by Kosei Miura, Ramjet sat handy in third behind leader Great Winner (Choi Si-dae) and Hong Kong Group winner Chancheng Glory (Jerry Chau).