Neo Universe, without even a single lash of the whip, landed the 70th Nippon Derby on Sunday by half a length to claim his second title in Japan's Triple Crown series.
Italian jockey Micro Demuro, on board Neo Universe, celebrates after winning the 70th Japan Derby at Tokyo Racecourse, becoming the first foreigner to win the race.
Italian jockey Mirco Demuro, who had also ridden the winner to his Satsukisho victory in April and had traveled to Japan again specifically for the Derby ride, became the first foreign jockey to win the coveted classic.