Vodka shaken by 'old codger' in Emperor's Cup

Eight-year-old Company stunned defending champion and hot favourite Vodka to win the Emperor's Cup and strike a blow for the "old codgers" on Sunday.

Company stormed to the front in the home straight of the 2,000-metre race in Tokyo to finish almost two lengths clear of Screen Hero with Vodka trailing in third.

"That was amazing for an eight-year-old," jockey Norihiro Yokoyama told reporters after Company became Japan's oldest Grade One winner.

"Not bad for an old bloke. That performance will give encouragement to old codgers everywhere. The horse was perfectly prepared. We didn't worry about Vodka. He ran his own race."

Six-times Grade One winner Vodka has been Japan's most popular horse since becoming the first filly in 64 years to win the Japan Derby in 2007.

Earlier this year, she became the first filly to top $10 mn in prize money. Company's surprise victory in Tokyo was worth $1.45 million.