Conduit could not produce the fairytale end to his career when fourth behind Vodka in the Japan Cup.

Sir Michael Stoute's dual Breeders' Cup Turf scorer was slowly away under Ryan Moore, but still finished with a late rattle to settle for minor honours.

The four-year-old colt, who has also won the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the St Leger in a terrific career, will now be retired to stud.

Fellow British raider Scintillo, trained by Richard Hannon, was only 11th in the ultra-valuable contest at Tokyo racecourse.

The Japanese-based winner, trained by Katsuhiko Sumii and ridden by Christophe Lemaire, was securing her seventh Group One success.

It was a close call, however, as compatriot Oken Bruce Lee came from the clouds but was denied by a nose following a protracted photo-finish.

Lemaire said: "At the post I thought we had won, but just after the post I wasn't so sure.

"Those last 100 metres were so long.

"I know she has a lot of fans and a lot of support, she is a fantastic horse and deserves to win this race.

"I am very happy for all of her fans. She has courage."

Moore said of Conduit: "He broke poorly and he didn't respond as he usually does.

"He may have been tired, not having enough time from his last start."

Gerald Mosse, rider of Scintillo, reasoned: "The horse broke well and we raced closed to Vodka.

"We were able to keep up with the fast pace down the stretch, but he just ran out of steam in the last 300m."