A half-share in European highweight and 2019 G1 Juddmonte International S. hero Japan (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) has been purchased by Masaaki Matsushima, Racing Post reported on Wednesday. Also a winner of the G1 Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris, third in the G1 Investec Derby and fourth in the G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the Newsells Park Stud-bred was previously owned solely by a Coolmore partnership. Out of a SP daughter of fellow European highweight Saganeca (Sagace {Fr}), the 1.3-million Tattersalls October Book 1 yearling is a full-brother to GSW and G1 Investec Epsom Oaks bridesmaid Secret Gesture (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) and the GSWs Sir Isaac Newton (GB) and Mogul (GB).
“Mr. Matsushima saw Japan at Longchamp on Arc day last October and was very impressed by the horse,” racing manager Yasufumi Sawada told Racing Post. “He loved the horse and believes he is not only very talented but very courageous, and is one of the best in the world. We would like to thank the entire Coolmore team as well as Aidan O'Brien, for whom we have enormous respect as a horseman.”
Added Sawada regarding the colt's 2020 targets, “One thing is for sure, the main objective will be the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe again.”
Matsushima also bought into the Australia (GB) colt Broome (Ire) in 2019.
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