A top Japanese trainer having his first runner in the Kentucky Derby sparked widespread hilarity after appearing at an eve of race function “a little bit drunk”.
Hidetaka Otonashi, 68, is set to saddle Derma Sotogake, one of two Japanese horses in Saturday’s historic race at Churchill Downs. Derma Sotogake, who will be ridden by Christophe Lemaire, earned his place in the field for the £2.5 million US Classic by winning the UAE Derby by five and a half lengths in March.
The Yoshito Yahagi-trained Continuar, who was third in the race, is the other Japanese runner.
Otonashi came onto the stage with Yahagi during the annual Kentucky Derby trainers’ dinner in Louisville, Kentucky. Swaying a little, he was being held up on one side by another member of the group and was holding onto his interpreter with his right hand.
Asked how his horse had been working ahead of the big race, the interpreter replied: “I’m sorry he is jet-lagged and just a little bit drunk. Please understand.”
To general laughter from the audience, the event host said: “That’s the way we like it!”
He then added: “Mr Otonashi, it’s hard to believe, you’re one of the most successful trainers in Japan. In fact of trainers that are currently training only one other has trained more winners than yourself. Where would a Kentucky Derby win rank in your career?”
While Otonashi is completing his answer, Yahagi intervenes to say: “I think he have to go back home!”
Under Japan Racing Association rules trainers have to retire once they reach 70 and Otonashi said: “This is the first time and the last chance for me to race in the Kentucky Derby in my career.
“For me this challenge is amazing so I hope I get to strike this time.”
Amid applause the host says: "What a fantastic response."
