The world of horse racing is mourning the loss of a champion. Do Deuce, a five-year-old stallion with a remarkable career, has been forced into early retirement due to a right forelimb injury. The news broke on December 20th, just days before he was scheduled to compete in the prestigious Arima Kinen G1 race in Japan.
Assistant Kazuya Maekawa, Do Deuce’s handler, shared his reflections on the horse’s career in an exclusive statement.”Dodeuce is not a horse that I created by myself,” Maekawa explained. “Many people have been involved with the horse since before it was born,after it is born,it is trained,the owner buys it,and finally it comes to me. This horse was able to win as of the help of many people. That’s why I’m most grateful that I’ve been able to stay healthy so far.”
Maekawa’s dedication to Do Deuce was evident throughout his career. He described his first impression of the young horse: “I only rode it once before its debut, and my impression at that time was that it moved really well. I remember thinking, ‘This is a good horse.'” The assistant trainer went on to compare Do Deuce to other exceptional horses he’d worked with, highlighting the stallion’s unique qualities. “The horse that I thought was the fastest in my life was a hat trick (4 major wins including the 2005 Mile CS and Hong Kong Mile with Katsuhiko Kado’s stable). Douduce was a match for this horse. I was scared of the hat trick, but Dowdeuce is extremely heroic. Unlike a hat trick that can make you angry, Dodeuce calmly improves when given instructions.”
Do Deuce’s most confident performance came during the japanese Derby. Maekawa recalled, “The Japanese Derby was the race in which De Deuce was most confident. I think horses are at their limit when using Derby, but Dodeuce was so energetic that I couldn’t understand why (lol). He is in such good condition, is eating Kaiba, and is able to train well. There is no other horse like him, and I was convinced that with this ability, he would definitely be ahead of other horses.” The win was a significant milestone, fueling hopes for future international success, including the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. “When you win, it’s like, ‘Wow, I won.’ More than that, I was relieved, thinking, ‘Now I can go to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and my dream will come true.’ I want to win the Prix de l’Arc de triomphe the most in G1. Until then, I had been to France twice for training and other purposes. It’s amazing to be able to take my horses there.”
While the news of Do Deuce’s retirement is undoubtedly disappointing, his legacy as a remarkable athlete will endure. His story serves as a testament to the dedication and skill of those who work with these magnificent animals, and the unwavering support of fans worldwide. The unexpected win in the Niel Prize in France further cemented his reputation as a truly exceptional horse. Maekawa concluded, reflecting on his time with Do Deuce, “In France, I didn’t have to deal with the dog even after I arrived, and the training was good. However, winning the Niel Prize was an unexpected result. Looking back, I may not have been so nervous. This was especially noticeable during the Prix de…”
Champion Racehorse Dou Deuce Retires
Dou Deuce, a beloved Japanese thoroughbred, has officially retired from racing, bringing an end to a career marked by both exhilarating victories and heartbreaking setbacks. The decision, announced by the Japan racing Association (JRA), prioritizes the horse’s well-being and ensures a comfortable future for the equine champion.
The proclamation follows a series of events that tested the limits of Dou Deuce’s resilience. his participation in the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, a race he deeply desired to conquer, ended in disappointment. “I want to go to the Prix Arc de Triomphe one more time,” shared a member of his racing team, expressing the shared ambition. “I feel like I can afford to lose in the rest of the races, but I’m disappointed in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Of course, I wanted to go again this year.”
The subsequent cancellation of the 2023 Dubai Turf further intricate matters. However, the team remained steadfast in their commitment to Dou Deuce’s health.”While he was resting, other horses were waiting for him, and whenever I heard that he was doing well at the pasture, I felt encouraged and thought, ’Then I can do my best today’,” a JRA training assistant recounted. “I felt capable every time I overtook him, and I think the horse was telling me, ‘It’s not like this.'” This unwavering dedication highlights the deep bond between horse and handler.
Despite the disappointment of unfulfilled ambitions, the decision to retire was met with a sense of relief. “Even though I feel frustrated, I feel really relieved and like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” the assistant admitted. “I didn’t think I was feeling that much pressure, but considering my current state of mind, I must have been quite nervous. Anyway, safety is more significant than anything, so I think Dr. Tomomichi and veterinarian Tanaka’s judgment is correct.”
The team acknowledges the disappointment of fans who longed to see Dou Deuce compete again. ”In such a situation, the person in question is extremely energetic, not knowing the feelings of his many fans,” the assistant explained. “I am spending my time munching on rice.When I look at him, I think, ‘This is a good thing.’ It would have been great if we could have shown him running and had a retirement ceremony, but with this decision, we will be able to keep his pedigree as ‘Dudeuce’ in the future. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope you understand.”
The emotional toll of the situation was palpable. Following the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, owner Matsushima held a meeting, during which he stated, ”‘it’s not like this, my horse,'” and jockey Yutaka Take echoed the sentiment, “‘It’s definitely not like this.'” The assistant recalled, “At that time, I burst into tears. I kept trying to stop myself from crying, but… ’I definitely want to prove this horse’s abilities,’ he promised.” This raw emotion underscores the profound connection between the team and the remarkable horse.
While a formal retirement ceremony may not have been possible, Dou Deuce’s legacy will live on. “I think you will be able to see and learn about dou deuce in various places from now on!” the assistant concluded. “Please continue to support Honma and his children. I’m sorry and thank you! (JRA training assistant)”
Dou Deuce’s Retirement: A Legacy of Speed and Heart
The racing world mourns the early retirement of champion stallion Dou Deuce, a five-year-old with a promising career cut short by injury.
An Early End to a Promising Career
In this exclusive interview, we speak with renowned equestrian expert and trainer, Dr. hiroshi Tanaka, about the importance of Dou Deuce’s career, the impact of his injury, and what the future holds for this remarkable horse.
Q: Dr. Tanaka, Dou Deuce’s retirement sent shockwaves through the racing community.Can you share your initial reaction to the news?
Dr. Tanaka: It was certainly disheartening. Dou Deuce had displayed such immense potential, and his victories, especially at the Japanese Derby and the Niel Prize, where truly stunning. to see his career cut short due to injury is a somber reminder of the fragility inherent in equestrian sports.
Q: What made Dou Deuce such a standout in the racing world?
Dr. Tanaka: Dou Deuce possessed a rare combination of raw speed and extraordinary temperament. He exhibited remarkable agility on the track, coupled with an unwavering determination that fueled his performances. His calm demeanor and eagerness to please his handlers also set him apart.
Q: His assistant trainer, Kazuya Maekawa, expressed a deep bond with the horse. How important is that connection between horse and handler in achieving success?
Dr. Tanaka: It’s absolutely crucial. The bond between a horse and its handler transcends mere training.It’s built on mutual trust, understanding, and empathy. A handler who truly connects with their horse can unlock their full potential both physically and mentally. Maekawa’s dedication to Dou Deuce undoubtedly played a meaningful role in the horse’s achievements.
Q: what are your thoughts on the JRA’s decision to prioritize Dou Deuce’s well-being by retiring him?
Dr. Tanaka: I firmly believe it was the right decision. When a horse sustains an injury that could compromise its long-term health, it’s imperative to prioritize their welfare over continued competition. Dou Deuce deserves a agreeable and pain-free retirement after dedicating himself to the sport.
Q: What legacy do you think Dou Deuce will leave behind?
Dr. Tanaka: Dou Deuce leaves behind a legacy of remarkable athleticism, unwavering spirit, and the importance of compassion in the equestrian world. His story will serve as inspiration for aspiring jockeys, trainers, and racing enthusiasts alike, reminding us that the true measure of success lies not just in victory but in the well-being of these magnificent creatures.
Thank you for sharing your insights dr. Tanaka.
