In a thrilling finish at the 25th UAE Derby, held on April 5, 2025, at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, Admire Daytona, ridden by Christophe Lemaire, clinched victory in a nail-biting contest. The three-year-old filly, trained by Mihito Kato, showcased her speed and stamina over the 1900-meter dirt track, crossing the finish line just ahead of her rivals.
This victory marks a historic achievement for Japanese-trained horses, as they have now won the UAE Derby for the fourth consecutive year and the fifth time overall. Previous winners include Lani in 2016, Crown Pride in 2022, Derma Sotogake in 2023, and Forever Young in 2024. Admire Daytona's triumph not only adds to this impressive streak but also secures her a priority entry into the upcoming Kentucky Derby, scheduled for May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs.
From the start, Admire Daytona took the lead, setting a strong pace that kept her competitors on their toes. As the race progressed into the final stretch, she found herself in a fierce battle against Heart of Oak and Don Imperial Mode. The trio surged toward the finish line, with Admire Daytona ultimately emerging victorious with a winning time of 1:59.14.
Reflecting on the close race, Lemaire expressed his initial feelings of triumph tempered by caution. "Honestly, I thought I had won, but it was incredibly close. I was careful not to get too excited," he stated. Lemaire also praised the experience of Japanese horses, noting, "They have accumulated a lot of experience, and they know how to bring their best at this time of year. Meydan suits them well. Winning this race is significant for us. The Kentucky Derby is an iconic race, and if we can go, we should not miss the opportunity."
Trainer Mihito Kato celebrated the win, marking his first overseas Grade 1 victory since Shadow Gate's success in the Singapore Airlines International Cup in 2007. Kato revealed that they had set their sights on the UAE Derby based on the owner's wishes, and he was optimistic about the future. "I thought we might finish second, but we can still go to the Kentucky Derby," he added.
In the race, Heart of Oak, ridden by J. Osborn, finished in second place, while Don Imperial Mode, with jockey Ryusei Sakai, claimed third. The other notable performances included Shin Emperor, who finished fourth under the guidance of Hideo Hagiwara, and Dragon, ridden by the renowned Yutaka Take, who ended up in sixth place.
Trainer Kiyoshi Hagiwara, who oversaw Don Imperial Mode, commented on his horse's performance, saying, "I thought we had a good chance from the fourth corner to the final stretch, but we struggled at the end. The horse was mentally calm, but there were moments of tension at the gate. With time, he will continue to grow and improve."
Meanwhile, Shin Emperor's jockey, Hagiwara, noted a slow start hindered their chances. "The slow start was tough. Everything else went well, but that really set us back," he remarked. Yutaka Take, riding Dragon, believed the dirt surface was not an issue for his horse but acknowledged that Dragon weakened towards the end of the race.
This year's UAE Derby was particularly significant as it serves as a qualifying event for the Kentucky Derby, providing points for horses aiming to compete in the prestigious race. Admire Daytona's victory not only highlights her talent but also raises expectations for her upcoming performance in the United States.
As the dust settles on this exhilarating race, the spotlight now turns to the Kentucky Derby, where Admire Daytona will represent the strong lineage of Japanese thoroughbreds. With a legacy of success and a promising future, fans eagerly await her next challenge in the iconic race.
The UAE Derby continues to solidify its reputation as a key event on the international horse racing calendar, showcasing not only the best of local talent but also attracting competitors from around the globe. With each passing year, the excitement surrounding this race grows, and the 2025 edition has certainly lived up to expectations.
In summary, Admire Daytona's victory at the UAE Derby not only marks a milestone for her and her team but also reinforces the dominance of Japanese horses in international racing. As they prepare for the Kentucky Derby, the racing world will be watching closely, anticipating what could be another remarkable chapter in this horse's promising career.
