O'Donoghue looking to join elite group in Japan

RACING:Colm O'Donoghue will attempt to join the very elite of Irish jockeys when he teams up with Jakkalberry in Sunday's Japan Cup in Tokyo.

Michael Kinane (Pilsudski in 1997) and Pat Eddery (Jupiter Island in 1986) are the only Irish jockeys to win Japan’s most prestigious race which will be run for the 32nd time this weekend.

Cork-born O’Donoghue is currently spending some time riding in Japan having ridden Jakkablerry into third place in the Melbourne Cup earlier in the month.

The Classic-winning rider has struck up a good partnership with the Marco Botti-trained horse, including winning the American St Leger in August, and the horse is part of a five-strong European team taking on the home star Orfevre.

The Japanese Triple Crown winner narrowly lost out in dramatic circumstances in last month’s Arc at Longchamp when edged out by Solemia in the dying strides.

The French filly has landed in Tokyo for another clash with Orfevre and has been joined by the Roger Varian- trained Sri Putra. Both Red Cadeaux and Mount Athos joined Jakkalberry in travelling to Japan from Melbourne.

Botti reported yesterday: “We’re very pleased with his condition. According to the lads this morning, they have got to Tokyo and he seems well and fresh and ready to go again.

“It was obviously a good performance in the Melbourne Cup, he finished well and we were very pleased.”