Tokyo City Horse Racing’s Mandarin Hero Finishes 12th in American Triple Crown Race

Tokyo City Horse Racing (TCK)’s Mandarin Hero (3rd male, Terunobu Fujita Kyusha) ran in the Kentucky Derby (G1) held at Churchill Downs in the United States and finished 12th. He is the first regional horse to enter the American Triple Crown race, marking a new page in the history of overseas challenges.

After finishing second in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), the Mandarin Hero got off to a good start and chased the midfield. I’m looking for a high rank, but I lost to the 12th place. His challenge to the American Triple Crown race ended in disappointing results, but his footprints became a great asset for the Japanese dirt racing world.

About the result of the Kentucky Derby (G1)

See the results here.
*Click here for the results announced by the organizer.

(How was it when you ran?)
Believing that I could run, I entered the site and was able to make adjustments that I was satisfied with. I was hoping to finish in the top 5, but it turned out to be a disappointing result. But I’m glad I took on the challenge.

(How was the horse?)
The horse returned from the paddock, the gate was well behaved, and the atmosphere was no problem. The start was good and I was in a good position along the way, so I believed that he would use his good legs at the end. I can only thank (to the Mandarin Hero) for running hard until the end even though my face was muddy.

(Future plans)
I plan to return to Japan after this. After arriving in Japan, I will wait and see how it goes, but I would like to aim to run in the Japan Dirt Derby (Wednesday, July 12).

(a word to the fans)
Thank you for your support early in the morning. Please continue to support us even after you return to Japan.