THE most important race last weekend in Japan was the Group 1 Tenno Sho (Spring) and it was won for the second year in succession by Fierement (Deep Impact). This win was a boost for Tony O’Callaghan’s Tally-Ho Stud as he stands Inns Of Court (Invincible Spirit) who is having his first year at stud. The new sire is out of Learned Friend (Seeking The Gold), a half-sister to the now three-time Group 1 winner Fierement.

Unraced at two, Fierement won three of his four starts at three and announced his arrival with victory in the Group 1 Kikuku Sho-Japanese St Leger. Last year his sole victory was in the Group 1 Tenno Sho but he was sent to run in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, finishing down the field. That is the only time he has finished out of the first four in just 10 starts to date.