(31st Dec 24)

FOREVER YOUNG wins G1/Tokyo Daishoten and extends unbeaten record at his home country

Forever Young(JPN), JRHA graduate, did not disappoint the punters who supported him as 3 to 10 hot favorite in G1/Tokyo Daishoten at Oi Racecourse on December 29th and won the year-end championship race at dirt division in Japan by one and three quarters of lengths with Ryusei Sakai in the irons.
Forever Young is fourth foal out of Forever Darling(USA), winner of G2/Santa Ynez Stakes, who was bought by Katsumi Yoshida of Northern Farm privately when she was in training.
Forever Young was offered at yearling session of JRHA Select Sale in 2022 and bought by Susumu Fujita for 98,000,000yen, US$725,926 at the exchange rate on sales day.
Trained by Yoshito Yahagi, the colt by Real Steel(JPN), winner of G1/Dubai Turf who was also trained by Yoshito Yahagi, won three races from the same number of start at 2.
He made a trip to the Middle East earlier this year and won G3/Saudi Derby and G2/UAE Derby there, in prior to be narrowly beaten third in G1/Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on first Saturday of May.
After enjoying summer break, Forever Young won Japan Dirt Classic, third leg of Japanese Dirt Triple Crown for three-year-olds at Oi Racecourse on October 2nd, and ran bravely in G1/BC Classic at Del Mar on November 2nd, finishing third behind Sierra Leone(USA) and Fierceness(USA).
Forever Young has started five times in Japan and won all of them so far.
Yoshito Yahagi has already announced Forever Young will be shipped back to the Middle East to run G1/Saudi Cup on February 22nd and G1/Dubai World Cup on April 5th.

Forever Young

Sire: Real Steel
Dam: Forever Darling
Sire of Dam: Congrats
H3
Consigned: Northern Farm

(16th Dec 24)

One-time winner ADMIRE ZOOM claimed the G1 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes

The fifth favorite, Admire Zoom, made a stunning move in the homestretch to seize victory in the G1 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (1600m, turf) at Kyoto on Sunday, following his novice race triumph. The second favorite, Museum Mile, finished in second place, while the ninth favorite, Lance of Chaos, came in third. Meanwhile, the race’s top favorite, Arte Veloce, finished fifth.
The son of Maurice, Admire Zoom, the 2023 JRHA Select Sale Yearling Session graduate for 115,000,000yen, showed his exceptional potential as a miler. In the highly competitive field for the 2-year-olds in the champion mile race, he took a solid position in second place, while the pace was set slow, clocking the first 600m in 35.4 seconds. then surged ahead early in the homestretch and held on to seal the victory.
“I’m relieved that he was able to secure the win with such a strong performance. He was able to show patience during the race, and he handled smoothly through the third and fourth corners. When I saw how he responded at the fourth corner, I was confident we wouldn’t lose. I believe a mile is his best distance.” said winning jockey Yuga Kawada who took the back-to-back win in the race following last year’s Jantar Mantar.
Admire Zoom had been a highly regarded colt since his debut, but his immaturity led to an underwhelming fourth-place finish. However, with the experience gained from his first race, he claimed his first win in his second outing. Despite this, he displayed his immaturity, becoming uncontrollable and unable to stop after crossing the finish line.
Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi said, “He tends to get overexcited on a daily basis, but we were able to push him hard in preparation for this race. His response after being urged on in the novice race was impressive, and his ability to sustain his speed for a long distance is a key strength. The way he powered ahead in the homestretch was truly remarkable. I think we will remain him in mile races. We’ll discuss it with the owner, but our target for next spring is the NHK Mile Cup (G1, May 11, Tokyo)”

Admire Zoom

Sire: Maurice
Dam: Daiwa Zoom
Sire of Dam: Heart's Cry
H2
Consigned: Shadai Farm

(12th Dec 24)

MYRIAD LOVE won the first major race and next to Saudi Arabia

The 2023 JRHA Select Sale Yearling Session graduate Myriad Love succeeded to be undefeated in three starts and claimed her first major title in the JPNI Zen-Nihon Nisai Yushun (1600m, dirt) at NAR-Kawasaki on December 11th. Stalked the lead from second position under Atsuya Nishimura, the daughter of New Year’s Day started to make a move and took command around the final bend. She never gave up the position to the finish, pulling away to win by 3/4L.
Winning jockey Nishimura said, “Her first time over a full lap and at the distance was a question mark, but she won impressively. My focus early on was to keep her relax. She responded more strongly than I expected, but I'm thrilled we could win. She's an absolute joy to ride."
This was also the first race horse ever which Asuka Shiraishi owned and first major win for her. “Trainer Koichi Shintani and I picked her out together at the Select Sale (27,000,000yen),” said Shiraishi.
Won the newcomer race (1400m, dirt) at Chukyo in September, Myriad Love took the JPNIII Edelweiss Sho (1200m, dirt) by 2.1/2L at NAR-Mombetsu in October last time. Shintani confirmed Myriad Love would target the G3 Saudi Derby (1600m, dirt) at King Abdulaziz on February 22.

Myriad Love

Sire: New Year's Day
Dam: Ladybird
Sire of Dam: Smart Falcon
M2
Consigned: Northern Farm

(9th Dec 24)

JRHA Select Sale graduates dominated the G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies

The three-month break did not matter to her. The G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, the champion race for 2-year-old fillies, was taken place over 1600m turf at Kyoto on December 8th and the fifth favorite Arma Veloce took the first G1 title. First four finishers-Arma Veloce, Vip Daisy (2nd), Teleos La La(3rd) and Shonan Xanadu(4th)- were all graduates of JRHA Select Sale. Jockey Mirai Iwata secured his first G1 triumph in his sixth season since debut on JRA circuit.
Being paired with Iwata for the first time, the filly by Harbinger saved her energy in the middle of the pack, showed the fastest time for the final 600m in 34.3 seconds and held off the runner-up Vip Daisy for the last 100m, pulling away to win by 1.1/4L.
“I've been feeling frustrated for six years since debut, so I'm happy to finally win a GI race. I felt that she had good racing sense from the moment I was asked to ride, and the race was smooth and she showed great turn of foot at the end. I was feeling great. I kept her pushing to the line, so I wasn't sure if I could win, but when I looked to the right side and there was no one there, so I did a victory pose. She was an easy horse to control and responded very well when I asked her.”
Trained by Hiroyuki Uemura, Arma Veloce won the newcomer race (1800m, turf) at Sapporo in August and came off a 2nd place in the G3 Sapporo Nisai Stakes (1800m, turf) three weeks later. Arma Veloce was purchased at 2022 JRHA Select Sale Foal Session for 30,000,000yen by owner Teruo Ono.

(3rd Oct 24)

FOREVER YOUNG dominates to prove himself as the top-3-year-old dirt horse

This year's final leg of the Three-Year-Old Dirt Triple Crown on NAR circuit, JPNI Japan Dirt Derby, was contested by 15 colts (7 from JRA and 8 from NAR) over 2000m dirt at Oi racecourse on October 2nd and won by the JRA's Forever Young, ridden by jockey Ryusei Sakai. Forever Young claimed his second exchange G1 title and his fifth graded stakes victory overall. Earlier this year, the 3-year-old son of Real Steel triumphed in both the G3 Saudi Derby and the G2 UAE Derby before taking on the Kentucky Derby, where, though he narrowly missed victory, he achieved the highest-ever finish for a Japanese contender by placing third. With this victory, he will now be prepared for the Breeders' Cup Classic (November 2 at Del Mar Racetrack), the race that determines the top dirt horse in the world. Additionally, this win secured him an automatic berth in the JBC Classic (Jpn-1, November 4 at Saga Racecourse). The winning time was 2:04.1.
Winning jockey Ryusei Sakai said, "I feel relieved. I couldn't afford to lose this race. Although it was his first start up from a layoff, he was in excellent condition and ready to perform at his best. I was confident that if I could bring out his full potential, we would win. I didn’t want him to get boxed in on the inside, so I was fine with taking the lead if necessary. We eventually took behind the lead from second, but he ran with a very good rhythm. The field today was incredibly strong, so I gave it my all. (Regarding the next race in the U.S.) He’s still undefeated in Japan, and earlier this spring in America, we experienced a deeply frustrating result. That gives me a strong drive for revenge, and I hope to show everyone an even stronger Forever Young.”
Forever Young is bred by Northern Farm and bought at JRHA Select Sale Yearling Session in 2022 by Susumu Fujita for 98,000,000yen. He is trained by Yoshito Yahagi.

Forever Young

Sire: Real Steel
Dam: Forever Darling
Sire of Dam: Congrats
H3
Consigned: Northern Farm

(9th Jul 24)

2024 JRHA Select Sale, Day#2, Foal Session

Kitasan Black(JPN), sire of Equinox(JPN), world highest rated horse in 2023, was popular at foal session of 2024 JRHA Select Sale at Northern Horse Park on July 9th.
Hip#364, colt by Kitasan Black was bought for 410,000,000yen, US$2,546,584, by Toshihiko Tabata,
who runs Lion Race Horse, racing syndication based at Tokyo. In addition, many horses are running carrying his own color, including Mr. G. T, three-year-old colt by Duramente(JPN), winner of LR/Wakaba Stakes in March 16th 2024, which Tabata bought at JRHA for 82,000,000yen. The colt is sixth foal out of Serienholde(GER), winner of G1/German Oaks, and her fist foal by Kingman(GB) is Schnell Meister(GER), winner of G1/NHK Mile Cup.
Hip#384, colt by Epiphaneia(JPN) out of Carina Mia(USA), was bought by Hirosaki Toshihiro HD Co.,Ltd for 370,000,000yen, US$2,298,137. “My trainer, Yoshito Yahagi and myself have agreed this is the best yearling in the catalogue”, Hirosaki said of his purchase. “I was determined I must win the bidding battle on this colt.” “I am feeling a lot of pressure on my shoulder”, Yoshito Yahagi said while smiling. “I understand this is an outstanding individual. Dam is Acorn Stakes winner and the colt has so beautiful pedigree. He has everything.” Carina Mia was bought at Fasig-Tipton November Sale for US$2.7 million by Teruya Yoshida of Shadai Farm, the consignor of Hip384. Carina Mia is now in foal to Equinox.
Masahiro Noda of Danox Co., Ltd, leading buyer at yearling session on Monday, was still hungry for recruiting young horses on Tuesday, when Noda spent 815,000,000yen in total to buy 4 foals, including Hip#386, colt by Contrail(JPN), which Noda bought for 300,000,000yen, US$1,863,355.
The colt is fifth foal out of Caledonia Road(USA), US Champion Juvenile Filly, which was bought by Grand Stud, consignor of Hip#386, at Fasig-Tipton November Sale for US$2.3 million through Narvick International.
Another big spender at foal session on Tuesday was Susumu Fujita, who spent 990,000,000yen in total and bought 6 foals, including Hip#447, colt by Contrail(JPN), which Fujita bought for 250,000,000yem, US$1,552,796. The colt is second foal out of Brilliant Cut(USA), who won two races and finished second in G1/La Brea Stakes in U.S.A. Brilliant Cut was bought at Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale by Katsumi Yoshida of Northern Farm for US$750,000.
At Tuesday session of 2024 JRHA Select Sale, 231 foals were sold for 14,421,000,000yen in total, which is 2.4% down from 2013. Average price, 62,428,571yem, is 7.5% decline from twelve months ago, while median price, 42,000,000yen, is 2,4% increase from 2023. And clearance rate, 96.7%, is much better than 2023, when it was 94.8%.
Through two-days session of 2024 JRHA Select Sale, 455 lots were sold for 28,918,000,000yen in total, which is 2.7% increase as compared with 2023, and new record of gross sale at JRHA Select Sale. Average price, 63,556,044yen, is 1.8% down from 2023 and median price, 42,000,000yen, is 2,3% decline from 2023. Clearance rate through two days, 96.4%, is better than 2023, when it was 96.0%, and the highest clearance rate in history of two-days session of JRHA Select Sale.
“It was much better market than I expected and I would like to thank everybody involved in this amazing sale”, Teruya Yoshida, active chairman of JRHA, commented at conclusion of 2024 Select Sale. “There are so many players in the game, which is incredible.”
“Yearlings and foals offered here on Monday and Tuesday are the cream of Japanese-bred.
Quality of catalogue was very high.”
“Danon Decile, this year’s Japanese Derby winner, was bought here, and Forever Young, winner of Saudi Derby and UAE Derby, who was narrowly beaten in Kentucky Derby, was bought here as well. I understand those success by sales graduates encouraged buyers to spend more and more.”
“I have had buyers from USA, Europe, Australia, South America, Mid East, and Hong Kong this year. I am very happy to see those international buyers were very active at this market”.
“I cannot wait for JRHA Select Sale in 2025, when first crop by Equinox is offered.”

(8th Jul 24)

2024 JRHA Select Sale, Day#1, Yearling Session

Market at opening session at 2024 JRHA Select Sale on Monday July 8th was stronger than everybody expected, and both of gross sale and average price are new record at the session.
First fire work was seen when Hip#24, second foal out of Even So(IRE), winner of G1/Irish Oaks, went up at sales ring. The colt by Epiphaneia(JPN) was bought by Susumu Fujita for 340,000,000yen, US$2,111,802. Epiphaneia is sire of Danon Decile(JPN), winner of this year’s G1/Japanese Derby, who was bought at JRHA Select Sale in 2022 for 135,000,000yen. The colt, who is consigned by Northern Racing, is from same family as Dr.Devious(IRE), Dancing Rain(IRE), and Saxon Warrior(JPN). Susumu Fujita has bought Forever Young(JPN), winner of G3/Saudi Derby and G2/UAE Derby this year, at JRHA Select Sale in 2022 for 98,000000yen.
Susumu Fujita was as active this year as much as 2022 and 2023, when he was a leading buyer at JRHA Sale. At yearling session of 2024 Select Sale, Fujita spent 850,000,000yen to acquire 5 yearlings, including Hip#127, white color yearling by Maurice(JPN), which he bought for 190,000,000yen, US$1,180,125. “As it has been one of my dreams to add a white horse in my string, I am very happy to buy this colt”, Fujita said after the purchase. “And this is from very successful Japanese family. I hope he runs well and becomes popular horse, which racing fans like to support. As it is still regrettable for me to miss Hip#100,,,,,,,,, for which Fujita was underbidder………., I am so happy to win the battle for this lot.”
Masahiro Noda of Danox Co.Ltd, owner of Danon Decile(JPN), winner of G1/Japanese Derby which Noda bought at JRHA Select Sale for 135,000,000yen, was also very active at yearling session as expected. Noda bought 4 yearlings for 1.200,000,000yen in total, including Hip#71, colt by Kitasan Black(JPN) out of Ascolti(JPN), who is half sister to Ascoli Piceno(JPN), JRA Champion Juvenile Filly in 2023, which he bought for 400,000,000yen, US$2,484,473. 　　
Kitasan Black, sire of Equinox(JPN), the highest-rated horse in the world in 2023, was very popular and a sales topper at the session was Hip#100, colt by Kitasan Black. He is third foal out of Delphinia(IRE), who won two races and finished second in G1/British Champions Fillies & Mares, and was bought by Rodeo Japan for 590,000,000yen, US$3,664,597, which is all time highest price at yearling session of JRHA Select Sale. Direct under bidder was Susumu Fujita.
Hip#107, nineth foal out of Lily of the Valley(FR), winner of G1/Prix Opera, was bought by Shorai Hayashida for 190,000,000yen, US$1,180,125. “I fell in love with him at first sight when I visited Shadai Farm”, Hayashida said of his purchase, “My trainer, Hiroyuki Uemura, recommends this colt by Lord Kanaloa(JPN) strongly as well, and I am determined to buy him. The price was almost my limit and I am so happy to acquire this colt. This is my first visit at JRHA Select Sale and everything is impressive here”. Hayashida is owner of Bellagio Opera(JPN), winner of G1/Osaka Hai in March 2024, which he bought at Chiba Thoroughbred Sale of Two-Year-Old for 44,100,000yen.
“This is very strong market, as expected”. Masahiro Abe commented after he bought Hip#116, colt by Saturnalia out of So Many Ways, for 135,000,000yen, US$838,510. “As I managed to buy one filly earlier today………he has bought Hip#14, filly by Contrail(JPN) out of Condo Commando for 88,000,000yen, US$546,584……, I looked for a nice colt. Saturnalia is a young sire whom I expected a lot and I am very happy to buy the colt by Saturnalia for this price, which is within my budget.”
224 yearlings were sold for 14,497,000,000yen in total, which is 8.5% increase from twelve months ago. Average price, 64,718,750yen, is 4.6% increase from 2023. Both of gross sale and average price are new record at yearling session of JRHA Sale, while clearance rate 96.1% is slightly lower than 2023, when it was 97.3%, and median price, 41,000,000yen, is down 8.9% from 2023.
“It is amazing market”, Katsumi Yoshida of Northern Farm, the biggest consignor at the sale, commented at the conclusion of yearling session. “The number of buyers registered at this year’s sale is the biggest ever, and the number of owners and trainers visited my firm before the sale was the biggest ever. I am so glad to see so many people joined and supported the market.”
“Stock exchange market in Japan is active recently and I think it is one of factors behind strong market here today. And another factor is the success of Japanese runners at international races in recent years.”
“I am proud of quality of foals we offer tomorrow, and I hope market tomorrow is as strong as today”
Foal session of JRHA Select Sale starts at 9:30am on Tuesday 9th.

(28th May 24)

DANON DECILE, the fifth Japanese Derby winner from the graduates of JRHA Select Sale

With the attendance of 78,678 at Tokyo on Sunday, the ninth pick Danon Decile topped the 3-year-olds in the G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) over 2400m turf, which was classified as “firm”. A 56-year-old jockey Norihiro Yokoyama became the oldest JRA jockey ever to claim the race, and a 41-year-old trainer Shogo Yasuda became the youngest JRA trainer ever to win the race. Saved on the ground on the inside during the trip, the son of Epiphaneia was asked by Yokoyama when Yokoyama found a clear path on the most inside route, caught up with the lead Ecoro Waltz with 300meters to go and showed another impressive turn of foot to widen the margin to 2 lengths ahead of the unbeaten favorite Justin Milano.
“I thought that the pace would be normal or slow since there were no horses that wanted to set the pace, but as Ecoro Walz took the front, we were able to wait in good position until the straight, and the horse responded strongly from there. I’m happy to have won the Derby but I’m also glad that my decision to not race him in the Satsuki Sho was not wrong. Danon Decile is a horse with great potential, and we knew that he would be a great horse if we took good care of him. I’m really grateful to the horse,” said Yokoyama.
Bred by Shadai Farm and purchased at 2022 JRHA Select Sale Yearling Session for 135,000,000yen by Danox Co., Ltd, Danon Decile took his first win in two starts at novice class (1800m, turf) at Kyoto in October and rounded off the term with 0.1 seconds fourth behind Shin Emperor in the G3 Kyoto Nisai Stakes (2000m, turf) in November. Kicked off this season with a victory in the 2000m-G3 Keisei Hai at Nakayama in January, Danon Decile was scratched before the start in the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas, 2000m) due to the lameness in his right foreleg last time.

Danon Decile

Sire: Epiphaneia
Dam: Top Decile
Sire of Dam: Congrats
H3
Consigned: Shadai Farm