No joy for Simenon as Moore wins Japan Cup

Gentildonna produced a gutsy performance for Ryan Moore to become the first dual winner of the Japan Cup at Tokyo racecourse.

Sei Ishizaka's charge won a rough renewal of the 12-furlong Grade One last year and the four-year-old again had to show plenty of determination to land the honours.

Moore was riding the filly for the first time and had her well positioned on the inside throughout as Eishin Flash and the William Buick-ridden Tosen Jordan set the early fractions.

Moore began to make his move on the turn for home though, assuming control with over a furlong to run and appearing likely to score in style.

However, Denim And Ruby was flying down the outside in the dying strides but just failed to catch Gentildonna at the line.

Tosen Jordan ran on again for Buick to claim third while the Mikel Delzangles-trained Dunaden fared best of the European raiders in finishing fifth in the hands of Jamie Spencer.

Ed Dunlop's Joshua Tree raced prominently in the early stages but faded out of it in the finish while the Willie Mullins-trained Simenon was also down the field.

Moore paid tribute to his winning mount and admitted his delight at landing the prestigious prize.

He told At The Races: "I'm just very happy. I was delighted to be given the opportunity to ride and she proved what a courageous filly she is. I was very lucky to have the chance to ride today.

"She proved what a special filly she is.

"I just wanted to have a nice position, settle and ride a nice smooth race. Unfortunately it was not the prettiest as they went slow and it was tactical. I was in front a bit early but she she showed her massive will to win.

"She's very special and it was a real privilege to ride. On a personal level, I wanted to win this race and I needed a filly as tough and genuine as her to do it."

Connections of Dunaden were thrilled with their charge's performance as he was forced to race wide in the finish.

David Redvers, racing manager for owner Pearl Bloodstock, tweeted: "Unbelievable run from Dunaden. What a world superstar to finish 5th widest of all. Unbelievably heart-burstingly proud. #lovethathorse."