Jockey Christophe Lemaire has described Almond Eye as a "perfect mare" as she ended her career with victory in the Japan Cup.
The five-year-old fought off challenges from Contrail and Daring Tact to become just the second horse after Gentildonna to win the race on more than one occasion.
It was her ninth Group One success in a glittering career, adding to her win at the Dubai Carnival in 2019.
She managed to pull away on the home straight to win by one-and-a-quarter lengths and duly retires as the highest-earning Japanese horse of all time.
Speaking after the race, Lemaire spoke very highly of Sakae Kuneida's mare and says she ran brilliantly.
"She was relaxed in the gate, broke smoothly, and was able to sit in a good position. The turf condition near the rails was much better than last week so I don't think the inner draw was a problem," said the Frenchman.
"The pace was just right for her and she responded well in the stretch. The others closing in on us didn't worry me at all.
"Almond Eye is a perfect mare and doesn't have any weak points. Her career as a racehorse ended today but I look forward to riding her children."
Article Posted on Sunday 29th November 2020 @ 12.34
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