Valiant Ouija To Bow Out In Hong Kong

Ouija Board is set to have her last race before retirement in the Hong Kong Vase after her valiant third to Deep Impact in the Japan Cup yesterday.

Ed Dunlop's brave mare put up another bold performance, although the combination of a stiff 12 furlongs and her incredible schedule may have just taken its toll.

Her season already includes a Royal Ascot win, a victory in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood and a second Breeders' Cup success.

Following an emotional victory at Churchill Downs, she was named Horse Of The Year for an unprecedented second time and connections mapped out a farewell tour that would see her take in the Japan Cup in Tokyo and the Vase at Sha Tin, which she won 12 months ago, next month.

The plan so nearly got off to a flying start but she had to give best to the Japanese superstar, who had finished third on his last start in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe before subsequently being disqualified.

Yutake Take adopted his usual tactics on Deep Impact of dropping out to the rear of the field, ones that he surprisingly abandoned at Longchamp.

Frankie Dettori was sat just in front on Ouija Board but Take unleashed the four-year-old down the outside and he swept into a lead he was never to relinquish.

Dunlop's charge gallantly tried to reel in him but it was to no avail as Deep Impact won by two lengths from Dream Passport, with Ouija Board a further quarter of a length back in third.

Heart's Cry, third in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes, finished 10th of the 11 runners.

Ouija Board's owner Lord Derby told the Racing Post: 'It's like a great prizefighter. When should we retire her? At the top. After her next race seems the time.'

Dunlop added: 'She's been beaten by, in my opinion, the best horse in the world; and that's no disgrace. It's been a great experience for me just watching him win.'

Deep Impact is also set to have one more run, in the Arima Kinen on Christmas Eve, before beginning a career at stud.

Take was thrilled at being able to put his miserable experience of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe behind him.

Deep Impact was disqualified after testing positive for a banned substance.

'I am just overwhelmed,' said the rider. 'Hearing the fans appreciating his victory today and being genuinely happy, I feel happy to have done my job as a jockey and answering to their expectations.

'Not being able to succeed in the Arc was a disappointment for the fans of course, but even more for the stable staff that had put so much effort into the race.

'Knowing how they felt, I was determined to show our fans, once again, his true form in this race.

'He is usually a nervous horse before the race, but he probably benefited from his experience in France because he settled well.

'He was slow as usual coming out of the starting stalls but that didn't worry me as I was able to see the position of the whole field and I was conscious of Ouija Board who was close to me.

'I concentrated on keeping him relaxed and made sure not to fight him during the journey.

'Coming round the home turn, Frankie Dettori shifted the mare a little to the inside which gave me the opportunity to make my intended move to the outside for my charge ? everything worked out my way.

'When I asked him for an effort in the last 700 metres, he responded well and gave that ?flying' charge ? then I knew I had won the race.

'Though I would love to ride him in many more starts, the decision of his retirement is made and my job is to give my best ride in the Arima Kinen.'

(C) PA Sport