Tokyo City Horse Racing (TCK)’s Mandarin Hero (3rd male, Terunobu Fujita Kyusha) entered the Santa Anita Derby (G1) held at Santa Anita Park Racecourse in the United States, and it was a shame to get close to the winning horse. Second place behind Hana. He was the first regional horse to enter an American G1 race, and achieved a two-two finish, creating a new history.
In the same race, the Mandarin Hero gradually pushed up the position from the midfield chase, and showed a great trailing leg in the final straight. Near the finish line, the horses spread out in a horizontal line, but came in 2nd place, just short of the winning horse. He showed us a lively run even in America, the home of dirt horse racing.
A view of the Mandarin Hero paddock
At the finish line of the Mandarin Hero
About the results of the Santa Anita Derby (GI)
See the results here.
Here are the results announced by the organizers.
■ About race videos
TCK Official YouTubeYou can see more.
(Image before the race)
American horses start early and I thought they couldn’t keep up, so I wanted to bet on the final straight while looking ahead.
(What kind of conversation did you have with Kimura jockey?)
The horse loses its motivation if it doesn’t follow it to some extent, so I said that it would be better to follow it even if it’s a little forced, and I respected that and watched over it. his last straight had some great legs.
(How was your position on the road?)
I wanted to get inside at some point, and Kimura jockey let me in at the right time. I don’t remember the last straight line because I was so excited.
(at the moment of goal)
I thought it would be good if I finished in the top 5, but I was really excited to be in the front two.
(Schedule for the next run)
The owner also told me to aim for the Kentucky Derby. I want to go to the Kentucky Derby.
(a word to the fans)
I feel that the level of the Japanese horse racing industry, such as production and training, is rising, so I want to continue to challenge overseas, and I want them to take on challenges. (The Kentucky Derby) I think it would be better if the distance was longer, but I think there will be strong members, so I will do my best while praying that I will be able to win within the top 5. I am truly grateful for the support of many people in this challenge. Thank you very much for your support.
(Was it according to the plan?)
American horse races tend to be fast, so I was conscious of putting them out well. In the morning, I didn’t go to pick up the bit, so I thought it would be okay, but when I returned the horse, he picked up the bit himself. I was able to proceed smoothly while observing the situation.
(I got inside at the 4th corner)
The 2nd favorite horse that was outside chased me out and I didn’t feel good, so I thought it would be easier to secure the road if I followed the 1st favorite horse in front. He faced a straight line and was able to secure the inside neatly, but there was a bit of a tight spot, and I think it would have been a little smoother if there was no pressure there. (Kentucky) I’m looking forward to the Derby because the distance will be longer.
(at the moment of goal)
When I entered the line, I thought I was second, but the winning jockey said, “Congratulations!” (Kentucky) I want to do my best to win the first place in the Derby.
(For the Kentucky Derby)
It is neither such a horse nor a horse that struggles to compromise, so I think it will be interesting if it can be smoothly put out and easily behind a popular horse. (For the Kentucky Derby) I want to not only participate, but also race in a way that I can win, like being in the top ranks.
(a word to the fans)
I finished second this time, but I want to do my best to win the Kentucky Derby and have a good race. Thank you for your continued support.