Botched Finish : Desormeaux’s Error Might Have Cost Kotashaan More Than Win in Japan

Jockey Kent Desormeaux misjudged the finish line in the world’s richest horse race Sunday, and it might have cost Kotashaan more than the $1.56-million winner’s purse.

Winner of the Breeders’ Cup Turf Nov. 6 and six of 10 starts this year, Kotashaan was a leading candidate for horse of the year going into the $3.61-million Japan Cup.

But Kotashaan was beaten by 1 1/4 lengths by Japanese-bred Legacy World after Desormeaux stood up in the irons, mistaking the 100-meter mark for the finish line. Desormeaux was fined $460 by the Japan Racing Assn. for easing his horse before the finish.

“It was my mistake,” Desormeaux said. “Before the race, stewards advised all foreign riders to be careful about the finish and the 100-meter mark.

“I feel so sorry for fans of Kotashaan.”

Kotashaan’s loss leaves the door open for another grass specialist, Lure, to challenge for the Eclipse Award. Although unsuccessful at the longer distances Kotashaan has mastered, Lure has won six of eight starts this year, including the Breeders’ Cup Mile on grass.

Legacy World ran second to pacesetter Mejiro Palmer of Japan for most of the race, then sprinted to the front as the field emerged from the final turn. At that point, Kotashaan began his move from the middle of the pack on the outside.

Kotashaan never gained the lead, however, and it’s not certain that he would have won, even if Desormeaux hadn’t stood up in the saddle.