It was an emotional 1-2 finish for Japan in the $10M Dubai World Cup. Italian jockey Mirco Demuro was crying after the race saying "I love you Japan" after his brilliant ride with a bold move early on the backstretch aboard Victoire Pisa and what do you know ... it was not a 1-2-3 finish for the grandkids. The winner Victoire Pisa is not a descendant of the Dancer but his grandsire Sunday Silence might not have made it to Japan if not for Northern Dancer's son Northern Taste who paved the way for some great Japanese imported sires. Transcend another Japanese bred was second and Monterosso was third (it was a 2-3 finish for the grandkids).
Once again sport (and horse racing in particular) can have a healing effect and raise the morale of an entire nation. There were many, many tears at the playing of the national anthem of Japan. I got the result I was hoping for even if it wasn't one of the grandkids to provide the shining moment.
Victoire Pisa (JPN) - no relationship to Northern Dancer
Transcend (JPN) - great great great grandson
Monterosso (GB) - great great grandson (X2)
Image above from gulf news
Video of race
http://www.dubaiworldcup.com/popups/video.php?id=ffdedd8f&width=640&height=512
Finish of race and beginning of interview with an emaotional Mirco - they cut it just before he says "I love you Japan" in tears.
http://www.dubaiworldcup.com/popups/video.php?id=d08be840&width=640&height=360
Brilliant article from Bill Christine
http://www.horseraceinsider.com/lines-in-the-sand/03272011-a-country-again/
