'He has become an adult since autumn' - Urban Chic comes of age in Japanese St Leger

Urban Chic confirmed himself a very smart stayer in the making by landing Sunday's Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) at Kyoto.

Racing on the outside in the middle of the pack under Christophe Lemaire, he flew rounding the home turn to pass Yutaka Take's Admire Terra and kept on over the full 3000m to score by two and a half lengths from Redentor, with Admire Terra a further nose back in third. 

The favourite and Tokyo Yushun winner Danon Decile, who was settled on the inside under Norihiro Yokoyama, couldn't keep up when the pace increased and finished only sixth.

Urban Chic is a second Group 1 winner from the first crop of Japan Cup star Suave Richard following Regaleira in last year's Hopeful Stakes. He is out of Harbinger's winning mare Edgy Style, whose grandmother is the breed-shaping Wind In Her Hair, the dam of the legend Deep Impact. This was a fourth win from seven starts including a Grade 2 for owner Silk Racing and trainer Ryo Takei.

Lemaire, following up in the same race from Durezza last year, said: "I am relieved because I selected him from four horses whom I have ridden. The 3000m is a long distance for him, so at first I took it slow and found his own rhythm.

Urban Chic's damline traces back to the great Wind In Her HairCredit: Masakazu Takahashi

"I rode with confidence because I knew his ability. He could catch his breath halfway through and I was able to ride calmly. He has a lot of potential and has become an adult since autumn. I think he can do his best in a Group 1 again."

Yuga Kawada, who was taken to hospital after falling from his horse in the third race of the Tokyo meeting on Saturday and missed the Kikuka Sho, announced on his social media account on Sunday that he had been discharged after undergoing thorough examinations.

Kawada plans to ride Liberty Island in the upcoming Tenno Sho Autumn, her first race after returning to Japan after finishing third in the Dubai Sheema Classic, before heading to the Breeders' Cup Classic with  Ushba Tesoro.

He said: "I apologise for the worry and inconvenience. I was immediately taken to the hospital and, after a thorough examination and hospitalisation for observation, I was discharged from the hospital and am now on my way home.

"Although this accident occurred, I am grateful that both horse and human lives were saved, and that the accident ended without causing any major trouble to the following horses."

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