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TOKYO: The 11th �������� Royal Cup, a thrilling 1,600-meter horse race for 2-year-olds, was triumphantly claimed by Ecolo Alba, a remarkable colt trained by Yasuhito Tamura and expertly ridden by Rusei Sakai, at the prestigious Tokyo Racecourse on Saturday.

After a nail-biting start, jockey Sakai spurred Ecolo Alba to a thrilling victory, crossing the finish line 1.5 lengths ahead of the seventh-favorite, Galilea. The crowd erupted as the favorite, Zoro Astro, came in third, just a neck behind.

Sakai told Arab News Japan it was a strong race and a great win, and he was happy to have his name as a winner in a race as prestigious as the �������� Royal Cup.

Sakai told other media he was worried in the early stages, but once Ecolo Alba found his rhythm, he reacted well.

Fourth place was taken by Margot Blow, followed by Chubs Carnegie, Yu Pharaoh, Edinburgh, and Nishino Ace Sama.

The 11th �������� Royal Cup was graced by the attendance of Abdullah Alaseeri, Secretary General of the Saudi Equestrian Authority, Mohamed Al Khatham, the deputy Secretary General of the Saudi Equestrian Authority, and Anas Alnowaiser, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Royal Embassy of ��������.

Diplomats and other dignitaries attend along with representatives from various sectors associated with Saudi-Japanese business and cultural interactions, Arab ambassadors, and Japanese officials.

Amidst a backdrop of overcast skies and a gentle drizzle, Alasseri proudly handed the gleaming Cup to its owner, who stood beaming with joy. The crowd roared with enthusiasm, their cheers resonating through the damp air, a testament to their unwavering support.

“This is a momentous occasion, initiated by the late King Abdullah,” Alaseeri shared with Arab News Japan. “It is a testament to the successful diplomatic relationship between our two nations. We look forward to further strengthening our ties with Japan in various areas. This event is a celebration of our cultural and sports exchanges, and I am hopeful that we will host more such events in Riyadh in the future.”

The event commenced with the national anthems of Japan and ��������, highlighting the strong diplomatic relationship between the two nations.

Hidenori Takagi, the Manager of the Tokyo Racecourse, welcomed the guests at a special ceremony and expressed his delight at the flourishing friendship and excellent collaboration that the Japan Racing Association, the Jockey Club of ��������, and the horse racing industries of both countries have developed over time.

Hideki Hagiwara, a counselor at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), stated in his welcoming remarks that horse racing in Japan is regulated by MAFF. Earlier this year, a Japanese horse won the Saudi Cup, which is the world’s richest horse race held in Riyadh. In celebration of this achievement, MAFF organized a food promotion event in collaboration with the Saudi Embassy.

This event took place at the racecourse, where guests had the opportunity to enjoy halal food and visit booths showcasing the producers of each product.

Ecolo Alba was reportedly sold for ¥77 million at this year’s Chiba auction and won its first race in July by two and a half lengths.

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