The Emperor's Cup on October 28, 2012
The Emperor's Cup on October 28, 2012
The Emperor's Cup (Tenno Sho-Autumn) at Tokyo Racecourse on October 28, 2012, in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of modern racing in Japan became one of the most memorable races with the presence of Their Imperial Majesties the Emperor and Empress. It was the first time in seven years that Their Majesties had attended the Emperor’s Cup, the attendance in 2005 at Tokyo Racecourse being the first time after the accession to the throne.
Imperial Majesties the Emperor and Empress
The highlight of the day was the winning Italian jockey, Mirco Demuro’s bow to Their Majesties after getting down from the saddle on his knee, with his helmet in hand. Demuro led 5-year-old Eishin Flash to explode down stretch to win the game before Their Majesties. His beautiful bow showing the highest respect in European style had moved all of the eighty thousand horse race fans and got a standing ovation from them. Their Majesties also applauded with a smile Demuro and Eishin Flash for their victory.
Mirco Demuro and Eishin Flash
Mirco Demuro made a comment. “I have seen on YouTube the historical moment in 2005 when Jockey Matsunaga won the Cup before Their Majesties. I was very happy to win the race which allowed me the same honor as Mr. Matsunaga. I wanted to do something special to show my deep respect for Their Majesties.”
The beautiful scene of the Italian jockey showing his highest respect for Their Majesties will be memorized for a long time as an epoch in Japanese horse racing history.
The beautiful scene of the Italian jockey showing his highest respect for Their Majesties will be memorized for a long time as an epoch in Japanese horse racing history.
His Majesty had been a captain of the equestrian club of Gakushuin High School. The imperial household has had their own ranch to raise horses for many years. There seem to be some profound ties between horseracing and the Japanese imperial family. We, the members of Tokyo Horse Owners Association are proud of our home ground, Tokyo Racecourse, having welcomed Their Majesties twice.
Demuro made another comment to the Association. “In my life as a jockey, you Japanese people are always very special. I love Japan. Thank you for your continuous support. I’ll do my very best to have many good races.”
Demuro made another comment to the Association. “In my life as a jockey, you Japanese people are always very special. I love Japan. Thank you for your continuous support. I’ll do my very best to have many good races.”
