Sunday, January 28, 2001
TOMORROW'S PROSPECTS
Frost is threatening Monday's (January 29, 2001) jump fixture at Kempton.
Clerk of the course Brian Clifford said today: "We have called a precautionary inspection for 7.30am in view of the forecast. They reckon it could get down to -2C. It has taken until 11.00am for the course to be raceable today and the forecast is for it to be colder on Sunday night so we have to be cautious. The track is so wet at the moment that it doesn't take much to freeze it."
No problems are anticipated at Plumpton, which is due to stage Monday's other jump card.
"We are fine," said clerk of the course David McHarg. "It is dry day and they are not forecasting it to get below 0C tonight."
Monday's third fixture is an all-weather Flat one at Southwell.
Details of 2000 JRA Awards
HORSE OF THE YEAR:
T. M. OPERA O 4-year-old colt, chestnut
Sire / Dam (Sire of Dam): Opera House / Once Wed (Blushing Groom)
Owner: Masatsugu Takezono
Breeder: Kineusu Bokujo
Trainer: Ichizo Iwamoto
Wins / Starts of 2000: 8 / 8
Career Wins / Starts: 12 / 19
Earnings in 2000: 1,036,004,000
Career Earnings: 1,399,963,000
Principal Wins in 2000: Tenno Sho, spring (G1), Takarazuka Kinen (G1), Tenno Sho, autumn (G1), Japan Cup (G1), Arima Kinen (G1), Kyoto Kinen (G2), Hanshin Daishoten (G2), Kyoto Daishoten (G2)
T. M. OPERA O answered all expectations with a spectacular four-year-old season in which he recorded a perfect eight graded wins. As a result, he became only the third racehorse, besides Ten Point (‘77) and Symboli Rudolf (‘85), to unanimously claim Horse of the Year and Best Older Horse.
The son of Opera House had already proved to be a potential star last year after winning four consecutive races, capped off by a victory in the Japanese 2000 Guineas (G1), the first leg of the three-year-old Triple Crown, and placing within the money in the remaining two. His strong finish in the Arima Kinen (G1), which put him in third place against a strong field of older horses, foretold of a good 2000 for the late developer.
No horse in JRA history had ever accomplished the feat of claiming all middle-long distance G1 titles for older horses in one season, and it certainly did not come easy for T. M. Opera O. There were races where he barely fended off rivals by narrow margins, or surged up from seemingly hopeless positions to make a chase for the lead. Nevertheless, valiant fighter found a way to finish on top in every start.
Claimed by his trainer to still have room to develop, the colt will no doubt carry the hopes of many fans into the coming season.
BEST TWO-YEAR-OLD COLT:
MEJIRO BAILEY dark bay or brown
Sire / Dam (Sire of Dam): Sunday Silence / Reru du Temps (Maruzensky)
Owner: Mejiro Bokujo
Breeder: Mejiro Stud
Trainer: Kunihiko Take
Wins / Starts of 2000: 2 / 5
Career Wins / Starts: same as above
Earnings in 2000: 62,648,000
Career Earnings: same as above
Principal Wins in 2000: Asahi Hai Sansai Stakes (G1)
After breaking his maiden in his fourth career start, the son of Sunday Silence proceeded to win the champion title for two-year-olds in the Asahi Hai Sansai Stakes (G1), leading to his selection as the ‘00 Best Two-Year-Old Colt. The voting was close, with Mejiro Bailey collecting 147 votes out of 296 and Agnes Tachyon, who scored a strong win in the Radio Tampa Hai Sansai Stakes (G1), accounting for 119 votes.
His sire, Sunday Silence was imported from the U.S.A. as a stud for Shadai Farms in 1991 and has been the reigning champion sire since 1995. Sunday Silence also claimed the leading three-year-old sire title in ‘94, ‘95, and from ‘97 to this year.
BEST TWO-YEAR-OLD FILLY:
T. M. OCEAN bay
Sire / Dam (Sire of Dam): Dancing Brave / River Girl (Rivlia)
Owner: Masatsugu Takezono
Breeder: Toshiki Kawagoe
Trainer: Katsuichi Nishiura
Wins / Starts of 2000: 3 / 4
Career Wins / Starts: same as above
Earnings in 2000: 75,362,000
Career Earnings: same as above
Principal Wins in 2000: Hanshin Sansai Himba Stakes (G1)
Masatsugu Takezono was the proud owner of two outstanding horses in 2000: T. M. Opera O and T. M. Ocean, both of whom carry their owner's initials.
The daughter of Dancing Brave (USA) kicked off her career with back-to-back wins, then finished a good third despite disadvantages in the Sapporo Sansai Stakes (G3) in September. After a nine-week spell, she was sent to post as a 1:3.3 favorite in the Hanshin Sansai Himba Stakes (G1; 1,600m), the championship race for three-year-old fillies. Keen from the break, she grabbed the lead around the fourth corner and accelerated to victory in 1:34.6.
Her sire, Dancing Brave (USA), won eight out of 10 starts between two seasons in Europe and is also known as the sire of Commander In Chief, winner of the British-Irish Derby double. Dancing Brave started his stud career in Japan in '92 and produced Kyoei March, winner of the ‘97 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas, G1). T. M. Ocean's grand dam, Erebus also scored a wire-to-wire victory in the ‘85 Oka Sho.
Great expectations await the promising bay filly in the 2001 classics.
BEST THREE-YEAR-OLD COLT:
AIR SHAKUR dark bay or brown
Sire / Dam (Sire of Dam): Sunday Silence / I Dreamed a Dream (Well Decorated)
Owner: Lucky Field Co., Ltd.
Breeder: Shadai Farm
Trainer: Hideyuki Mori
Wins / Starts of 2000: 2 / 7 (includes one start abroad)
Career Wins / Starts: 4 / 11 (includes one start abroad)
Earnings in 2000: 391,206,300
Career Earnings: 416,035,300
Principal Wins in 2000: Japanese 2000 Guineas (G1), Japanese St. Leger (G1)
Air Shakur was named Best Three-Year-Old colt after concluding the season with four wins, including victories in two classics. He lost a chance for the Triple Crown by just a nose to Agnes Flight (by Sunday Silence) in the Japanese Derby (G1), the second leg of the Crown. His remaining starts, which included an attempt in the King George and the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes (Great Britain, G1, 5th), also proved consistent, though his last race, the Japan Cup, was a disappointing 14th. Immaturity surfaced in a number of occasions that led to defeats, but his outstanding speed was well acknowledged. High expectations await him in the coming season, when his true ability will be tested.
BEST THREE-YEAR-OLD FILLY:
CHEERS GRACE bay
Sire / Dam (Sire of Dam): Sunday Silence / Cheers Flower (Al Nasr)
Owner: Kiyoko Kitamura
Breeder: Shirai Stud Farm
Trainer: Kenji Yamauchi
Wins / Starts of 2000: 1 / 7
Career Wins / Starts:3 / 11
Earnings in 2000: 197,174,000
Career Earnings: 228,463,000
Principal Wins in 2000: Japanese 1000 Guineas (G1)
Cheers Grace's win in the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas, G1) was one of the few G1s, and the only classic race, not taken by a Sunday Silence offspring. Cheers Grace drew away from the last corner to claim the ‘00 Oka Sho after being sent off as the sixth favorite, following a disappointing previous start in the Tulip Sho (G3) in which she finished tenth. She came in second by only a neck in her following race in the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks, G1) and has proved herself to be both consistent and versatile in her races. She will no doubt be counted among the main cast in the coming season's big events.
BEST OLDER COLT/HORSE:
T. M. OPERA O (see Horse of the Year)
BEST OLDER FILLY OR MARE:
PHALAENOPSIS 5-year-old mare, bay
Sire / Dam (Sire of Dam): Brian's Time / Catequil (Storm Cat)
Owner: North Hills Management Co., Ltd.
Breeder: Maeko Farm Co., Ltd.
Trainer: Mitsumasa Hamada
Wins / Starts of 2000: 1 / 3
Career Wins / Starts: 7 / 16
Earnings in 2000: 103,780,000
Career Earnings: 466,518,000
Principal Wins in 2000: Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup (G1),
Phalaenopsis reemerged as the best older mare in her final season as a racehorse. Named Best Three-Year-Old Filly in ‘98 after scoring four wins, including two G1 victories in the major events for fillies, she endured winless months that lasted over two years before making a strong comeback to claim her third grade one title in the Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup (G1), the biggest event for female runners.
The connections were overwhelmed by Phalaenopsis' grand performance before retirement after training the bay to the limit for her last race. The strategy obviously paid off.
She is among the sixth crops and is the first filly by Brian's Time (USA), who has produced JRA Award winners ever since his first crop appeared on the scene in 1993. Though overshadowed by Sunday Silence, Brian's Time has produced an impressive line, including classic winners Sunny Brian, Silk Prima Donna and Narita Brian, the ‘94 Triple Crown champion.
Phalaenopsis has retired to stud and is to be covered by Sunday Silence this year.
BEST HORSE BY HOME-BRED SIRE:
DAITAKU YAMATO 6-year-old horse, dark bay or brown
Sire / Dam (Sire of Dam): Daitaku Helios / Daitaku Brains (Tesco Boy)
Owner: Kazuko Nakamura
Breeder: Miyabi Bokujo
Trainer: Sei Ishizaka
Wins / Starts of 2000: 3 / 8
Career Wins / Starts: 9 /34
Earnings in 2000: 217,092,000
Career Earnings: 353,172,000
Principal Wins in 2000: Sprinters' Stakes (G1), Swan Stakes (G2)
Daitaku Yamato hit the big time at six when he won the fall Sprinters' Stakes (G1). The dark bay was sent to post as 16th choice out of 16 runners in a race that included Agnes World (by Danzig), returning to Japan after winning the July Cup (G1; Great Britain), defending champion Black Hawk and Hong Kong raider Best of the Best. Daitaku Yamato made his bid to set the pace together with Yuwa Falcon and claimed the lead around the last corner, fended off a strong chase made by Agnes World and Black Hawk, and finished 1-1/4 lengths in front. After four seasons that included several victories in allowance races but fruitless grade race attempts, Daitaku Yamato's upset was initially regarded as a fluke. Success in his next race, Swans Stakes (G2), however, followed by a good fourth 2-3/4 lengths behind the winner in the Mile Championship (G1), silenced the doubters. He collected 122 votes for Best Horse by Home-Bred Sire and 156 votes for Best Sprinter Miler.
Daitaku Yamato is the first grade race winner among Daitaku Helios's offspring and is a third-generation thoroughbred by a home-bred sire. Daitaku Helios himself won the Mile Championship (G1) twice late in his career, in ‘91 and ‘92, before retiring to stud.
BEST SPRINTER OR MILER:
DAITAKU YAMATO (see Best Horse by Home-Bred Sire)
BEST DIRT HORSE:
WING ARROW 5-year-old horse, bay
Sire / Dam (Sire of Dam): Assatis / Sanyo Arrow (Mr. C.B.)
Owner: Minoru Ikeda
Breeder: Fujiwara Farm
Trainer: Katsumi Minai
Wins / Starts: 3 / 6
Career Wins / Starts: 10 / 24
Earnings in 2000: 311,688,000
Career Earnings: 610,578,000
Principal Wins in 2000: February Stakes (G1), Japan Cup Dirt (G1), Breeders' Gold Cup (G2)
Wing Arrow proved himself a champion horse over dirt tracks in the inaugural running of the Japan Cup Dirt, which he won and timed in 2:07.2 (JRA record for 2,100 meters over dirt). With increasing exchange races between the JRA and the NAR raising the standard and status of dirt races in Japan, the Japan Cup Dirt (G1) was established to raise the standard to an international level. Though the race lacked a true international flavor, having just two foreign contenders, the Japanese contenders included top dirt racehorses from both JRA and NAR racing circles.
The five-year-old horse reclaimed his title as the Best Dirt Horse, having previously won the title in 1998. With 294 votes, Wing Arrow was the clear winner for the award in 2000.
The son of Assatis began his racing career at three and broke his maiden in his third outing. After finishing 13th in his only turf race attempt, the horse was pointed toward becoming a dirt specialist. He scored four consecutive victories over dirt, claiming a total of three major G2 and G3 events, and then concluded his three-year-old season with a close second in a G1 race, which subsequently won him the Best Dirt Horse title of ‘98.
He was winless but within the money in all five starts in the ‘99 season and claimed his first G1 title in the February Stakes (G1), his second start in 2000, under French jockey Olivier Peslier.
Katsumi Minai, who rode Wing Arrow to most of his successes as a three-year-old, took over his training upon the retirement of Yoshimi Kudo and the bay proceeded to bring him his first international victory.
His sire, Assatis (USA), won six out of 16 career starts in Europe and was imported to stand for stud in Japan in ‘91.
BEST STEEPLECHASE HORSE:
GOKAI 7-year-old horse, dark bay or brown
Sire / Dam (Sire of Dam): Judge Angelucci / Yu Miroku (Katsurano Haiseiko)
Owner: Kei Yoshihashi
Breeder: Taihei Stud Farm Co., Ltd.
Trainer: Hiroyuki Gohara
Wins / Starts: 3 / 6
Career Wins / Starts: 7 / 43 (including flat races)
Earnings in 2000: 190,031,000
Career Earnings: 310,856,000
Principal Wins in 2000: Nakayama Grand Jump (J-G1), Tokyo High Jump (J-G2)
Gokai, whose name means "dynamic" in Japanese, lived up to his moniker when he won the Nakayama Grand Jump (J-G1). The race, in its first year as an international event, attracted outstanding obstacle racehorses from around the globe, helped to increase recognition for the sport and signaled a rising standard for future steeplechases in Japan.
The son of Judge Angelucci, who began flat racing as a three-year-old and took up steeplechasing at six, won his third obstacle race and claimed his first grade race title in the Tokyo Autumn Jump (J-G3) that year. He concluded the season with a convincing second in the Nakayama Daishogai (J-G1) and kicked off his seven-year-old season with a second, then won his next race before being sent to post as favorite in the Nakayama Grand Jump.
He scored three wins, two seconds and one third out of six starts and proved himself to be a full-fledged jumper with considerable final speed in the last stretch, which he put to good use in overtaking the foreign contenders in the Grand Jump.
BEST TRAINER (RACES WON):
KAZUO FUJISAWA
Age: 49 (September 22, 1951)
Trainer's license: March 1, 1987
First race: March 12, 1988 (Keiai Power; 3rd)
First win: April 24 1988 (Galdan)
Principal Wins in 2000: American Jockey Club Cup (G2; Matikane Kinnohoshi), Kyoto Himba Tokubetsu (G3; Stinger), Crystal Cup (G3; Sweet Orchid), Keio Hai Spring Cup (G2; Stinger), Hakodate Sprint Stakes (G3; Taiki Treasure), Keisei Hai Autumn Handicap (G3; Symboli Indy), Copa Republica Argentina (G2; Matikane Kinnohoshi)
Wins / Starts of 2000 (winning percentage): 59 / 266 (22.18%)
Career Wins / Starts: 525 / 2750
Earnings in 2000: 1,226,573,000
Fujisawa is the second trainer, following the late Toukichi Ogata, to mark a six-year title streak, and marked his seventh overall as national leader with 59 wins—ten more than he scored in ‘99.
The internationally minded trainer, who learned the art of training and horsemanship in Newmarket (Great Britain) before taking up his training license in Japan, enthusiastically challenges overseas races when given the opportunity. He won well-deserved recognition in Europe when Taiki Shuttle won the Jacques le Marois (G1; France) in ‘98.
Dominating all four categories for trainers in ‘96 and ‘97, he has trained seven grade one winners and has accumulated 40 grade race wins since ‘92.
BEST TRAINER (WINNING AVERAGE):
YUJI ITO
Age: 64 (January 14, 1937)
Trainer's license: Mrach 1, 1966
First race: March 13, 1966 (Maggio, 6th)
First win: March 27, 1966 (Mindo Sony)
Wins / Starts of 2000 (winning percentage): 48 / 192 (25.00%)
Career Wins / Starts: 963 / 6321
Earnings in 2000: 736,228,000
A regular name on the short list for JRA trainers' awards, Yuji Ito won his fourth title, after having won previously in '87, '93 ,'95, and '98, for winning percentage. In past years he also has also taken a title for wins ('87) and three for purses ('87, '91, '93).
The ‘00 season was his first without a grade race victory in twelve years.
Ito is known to train his horses carefully and never push them beyond their ability, which explains his high percentage of wins. He is particularly skilled at handling fillies, having produced notable results in the '98 season with Air Groove and Max Can Do.
In 2001, his well-prepared string of horses may likely add to his 62-grade-race victories, which include eight career G1 victories.
BEST TRAINER (MONEY EARNED):
ICHIZO IWAMOTO
Age: 53 (October 30, 1947)
Trainer's license: March 1, 1989
First race: December 2, 1989 (Earl Cup, 9th)
First win: January 15, 1990 (Miyaji Pegasus)
Principal Wins in 2000: Kyoto Kinen (G2; T. M. Opera O), Hanshin Spring Jump (J-G2; Foundry Robbery), Hanshin Daishoten (G2; T. M. Opera O), Tenno Sho Spring (G1; T. M. Opera O), Takarazuka Kinen (G1; T. M. Opera O), Kyoto Daishoten (G2; T. M. Opera O), Tenno Sho Autumn (G1; T. M. Opera O), Japan Cup (G1; T. M. Opera O), Arima Kinen (G1; T. M. Opera O)
Wins / Starts of 2000 (winning percentage): 26 / 273 (9.52%)
Career Wins / Starts: 241 / 2,504
Earnings in 2000: 1,508,378,000
A jockey-turned-trainer who scored 578 wins out of 4,917 races in his jockey days, Ichizo Iwamoto enjoyed his best season yet in combination with T. M. Opera O, who scored eight grade race wins, and jumper Foundry Robbery, who brought him a victory in the Hanshin Spring Jump (J-G2). He won five of his six career G1 wins in just this one season.
He captured his first grade race title with T. M. Rhythm in the Kokura Sansai Stakes (G3) and listed himself among the top trainers in Kansai (western district) in ‘90 and ‘91. Training both flat and steeplechase racehorses, he has accumulated 26 stakes races in total but did not claim a grade one victory until '99, when T. M. Opera O won the Japanese 2000 Guineas (G1).
His honest, hard-working style began paying off nicely in ‘99, when he captured four grade race events and earned a JRA award for outstanding training technique. In addition to the extraordinary T. M. Opera O, the much-talented string of horses trained by Iwamoto includes T. M. Tokkyu, Tenzan Desert and Top Protector, all of whom are in line to bring more success in the coming season.
BEST TRAINER (TRAINING TECHNIQUE):
KAZUO FUJISAWA (see above)
BEST JOCKEY (RACES WON):
YUTAKA TAKE
Age: 31 (March 15, 1969)
Jockey's License: March 1, 1987
First race: March 1, 1987 (Agnes Dictor; 2nd)
First win: March 7, 1987 (Dyna Bishop)
Principal Wins in 2000: Nikkei Shinshun Hai (G2; Marvelous Timer), Kisaragi Sho (G3; Silver Cockpit), Mainichi Hai (G3; Silver Cockpit), Lord Derby Challenge Trophy (G3; Fusaichi Airdale), Satsuki Sho (G1; Air Shakur), Keio Hai Spring Cup (G2; Stinger), Meguro Kinen (G2; Stay Gold), Procyon Stakes (G3; Gold Tiara), Kikuka Sho (G1; Air Shakur)
Wins / Starts of 2000 (winning percentage): 135 / 576 (23.44%)
Career Wins / Starts: 1,909 / 9,708
Earnings in 2000: 2,835,535,800
Top jockey Yutaka Take did not let his Japanese fans forget him in 2000, despite transferring his base to the USA (Hollywood Park, California) for a year starting in June.
His busy schedule flying back and forth between Japan and the USA proved to be a worthwhile undertaking, with the eleven-time (nine straight) national leader managing to claim his usual top position with 135 annual wins. He again rewrote the JRA record book by taking his four consecutive Grand Prize Jockey award given to jockeys who dominate all three major categories.
He also traveled to Europe in the ‘00 season and set another record as the first JRA jockey to capture a British G1, winning the July Cup at Newmarket with Agnes World. The victory marked his fourth G1 title overseas.
With so many records to his name, Yutaka Take is setting the mark against which all others will be judged not only in Japan, but worldwide as well someday. Moreover, he has done so while meeting the requests and expectations of Japanese racing fans. It should not be long before he records his first successful full season outside Japan.
BEST JOCKEY (WINNING AVERAGE):
YUTAKA TAKE (see above)
BEST JOCKEY (MONEY EARNED):
YUTAKA TAKE (see above)
GRAND PRIZE JOCKEY (all three jockey titles):
YUTAKA TAKE (see above)
BEST STEEPLECHASE JOCKEY:
SHIGEFUMI KUMAZAWA
Age: 32 (January 25, 1968)
Jockey's License: March 1, 1986
First race: March 2, 1986 (Junior Daio, 5th)
First win: March 29, 1986 (Junior Daio)
Wins / Starts of 2000: 17 / 61 (steeplechase only)
Career Wins / Starts: 90 / 538 (steeplechase only)
Earnings in 2000: 273,705,000 (steeplechase only)
Shigefumi Kumazawa scored his second consecutive title as the champion jockey of steeplechase in 2000. He devotes the same enthusiasm to steeplechase as flat racing, where he has 17 lifetime grade race wins, including two grade one victories. Though he did not score a grade race victory in the ‘00 season, he accumulated 17 wins. He also ranked within the top twenty in the national jockeys' list.
Kumazawa is known as a skilled rider both over the flat and over obstacles. As recognition for obstacle racing expands, boosted by the success of the inaugural international Nakayama Grand Jump, Kumazawa looks forward to adding more grade race victories in both categories.
Equine Cultural Awards
The nominees for the Equine Cultural Awards were selected from among approximately 1,600 publications and cultural events either published or held between December 1999 and November 2000. A total of 38 candidates were selected from an initial list of 1,800 nominees, from which a selection committee comprising journalists and others from academic and artistic fields selected seven finalists, including five publications, one artwork and one film. After careful screening, the judges narrowed their decision to two books, both of which received equally high reviews. In the end, they awarded the 2000 JRA Equine Cultural Award to "King of the Dirt—Meisei Opera," a documentary based on the story of a thoroughbred's life. The book covers the racehorse's life and career, which started at a small racetrack and eventually resulted in the first regional racehorse to claim a JRA G1 title.
EQUINE CULTURAL AWARD:
"KING OF THE DIRT—MEISEI OPERA"
written by Jiro Sato and published by Shincho-Sha
Jiro Sato, a sports journalist for Tokyo Shimbun (newspaper) wrote about the life of Meisei Opera, who made history in becoming the first regional racehorse to claim a G1 title on the JRA tracks. Sato describes in minute detail the many hardships and setbacks, as well as the joy and rewards that the horse and the people around him encountered on their way to the moment of triumph. The author puts into words the affection and love that Meisei Opera's owner and jockey possessed for the chestnut son of Grand Opera. He vividly describes the world of local racing away from the flamboyant world of JRA racing. He makes us aware of the hardworking horsemen in local racing, whose love for their animals and determination to succeed is no less than their famous counterparts working in the national spotlight. His story eventually takes us to the winner's circle and the drama of Meisei Opera and his people sharing the glory of standing before an admiring national audience. The book is not just the story of horseracing, but about people and culture. It moves the hearts of all readers, not just those in horseracing.
Sato was born in Yokohama in 1950 and graduated from Saitama University with a major in economics. He joined the Chunichi Shimbun in ‘73 and was assigned to the Tokyo Shimbun's city news desk and then news bulletins before moving to the sports department in ‘86. He became sports editor in ‘98. He was awarded the Mizuno Sports Writer prize in ‘93 for a serial column, "Another Side of Sports." His other books include "Another Side of Sports", "Fair, Occasionally Sports" and "Chasing the Dream Around Hakone."
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