Jim Bolger has paid tribute to the "much adored" Trading Leather who sustained a fatal fracture when pulled up in the Japan Cup.

The Godolphin-owned four-year-old travelled well on the outside in the early stages of the Grade One event at Tokyo racecourse, but jockey Kevin Manning pulled him up before the field turned for home.

It later transpired Trading Leather, who enjoyed his finest hour when winning last year’s Irish Derby, had died after suffering a serious injury.

Bolger told www.godolphin.com: “Trading Leather was much adored and had a tremendous career, the highlight being his Irish Derby win. His passing is tough for us all, especially my staff. This is a very sad loss.”

Epiphaneia emerged victorious in the 12-furlong heat, foiling Gentildonna’s bid for a third successive triumph.

Sei Ishizaka's defending champion was partnered by Ryan Moore but had no answer as the Christophe Soumillon-ridden Epiphaneia ran out a four-length winner.

Epiphaneia could be called the winner some way out and while Just A Way, who was such an impressive winner in Dubai back in March, tried his best, he had to settle for second.

Spielberg was a half-length back in third while Gentildonna was beaten a further three-quarters of a length in fourth.

German raider Ivanhowe finished sixth, beaten a total of six lengths.