Hugh Bowman has brought a big smile to Kazahiro Sasaki's face as his horse Cheval Grande has one the Japan Cup 2017.

He had the best finish and Rey d'Oro was running on but couldn't run down the winner, and Kitasan Black who had led for most of the way just missed out in the end as he seemed to be treading water for the last 100 metres.

Makahiki was fourth and Idaho flew from the clouds to finish fifth to be the best of the internationals. Haven't got the full order yet but we think Boom Time finished about 10th.

With this win Bowman now heads the Longines Jockeys rankings for 2017, so a double celebration.