On April 19, 2025, the Nakayama Grand Jump, a prestigious champion determination race for the first half of the hurdle racing season, took place at Nakayama Racecourse. This thrilling event featured a challenging 4260-meter course, where the excitement was palpable as competitors vied for top honors.
Among the notable participants was Aeroduel, a six-year-old mare trained by Takashi Iwahori. Ridden by jockey Kota Kusano, Aeroduel entered the race as a fifth favorite but emerged victorious in a stunning display of speed and stamina. With a record-breaking time of 4 minutes and 50.5 seconds, she won by an impressive eight horse lengths, marking her first G1 victory.
During the race, Aeroduel quickly established a strong position, tracking closely behind the leader, June Velocity. As the race progressed, Kusano made his move, drawing alongside June Velocity before taking the lead and pulling away. This decisive moment showcased Aeroduel's exceptional capabilities, as she maintained her lead to the finish line, leaving her competitors in her wake.
In the end, Navier Eam secured second place, finishing a solid performance as the sixth favorite, while Impress claimed third place. June Velocity, who had led for much of the race, fell to fourth, and the favorite, Meiner Glocke, finished disappointingly in fifth place. Unfortunately, Barn Passion was forced to stop running during the race, adding an unexpected twist to the competition.
Aeroduel's lineage is impressive, boasting a pedigree that includes Kitasan Black and Clarinet, with Giant's Causeway as her maternal grandfather. Bred by Shimokobe Bokujo in Hidaka Town, Hokkaido, she is owned by Masanori Haramura. Her win at the Nakayama Grand Jump adds to her overall record, which now stands at five wins from 22 starts, including four victories in 12 obstacle races.
This victory was not only a milestone for Aeroduel but also a significant achievement for both trainer Takashi Iwahori and jockey Kota Kusano, as it marked their first win in the prestigious Nakayama Grand Jump. The atmosphere at the racecourse was electric, with fans cheering as Aeroduel crossed the finish line, solidifying her status as a formidable competitor in the world of hurdle racing.
Prior to the race, jockey Tsubasa Ueno, who rode Arandel, reflected on his previous race at the Kokura Jump S (J-GIII). He noted that while his horse's position was further back than expected, the race served as a valuable opportunity to assess Arandel's potential for the upcoming Nakayama Grand Jump.
Ueno expressed confidence in Arandel's ability to handle the distance, stating, "I think it should be fine, but we won't know until we try." He highlighted Arandel's strengths, including consistent jumping speed and a strong spirit. Ueno also mentioned that he viewed June Velocity and Meiner Glocke as the top two contenders in the race, indicating a keen awareness of the competition.
As the race unfolded, the strategies employed by the jockeys became crucial. Ueno suggested that the ideal racing scenario would involve a steady pace, allowing for a tactical approach. He noted that if the leading horses were overly aggressive, it could open up opportunities for others, including Arandel, to capitalize on any mistakes.
Ueno's insights added depth to the pre-race narrative, as fans eagerly anticipated the unfolding drama of the Nakayama Grand Jump. The event is significant in the racing calendar, held only twice a year on the big hurdle course, making it a must-watch for enthusiasts.
As the dust settled on this year's Nakayama Grand Jump, fans were left buzzing about Aeroduel's remarkable performance and the implications for future races. With her newfound status as a champion, the racing world will undoubtedly keep a close eye on her and her competitors in upcoming events.
The Nakayama Grand Jump not only crowned a champion but also showcased the thrilling unpredictability of horse racing, where strategy, skill, and sheer athleticism combine to create unforgettable moments.
Looking ahead, trainers and jockeys will be analyzing the outcomes, strategizing for future races, and considering how to improve their chances against the rising star that is Aeroduel. With the racing season in full swing, fans can expect more exhilarating competitions as the best horses and riders continue to battle for supremacy on the track.
As the racing community reflects on the Nakayama Grand Jump, the excitement of the sport remains vibrant, with stories of triumph, heartbreak, and the relentless pursuit of victory fueling the passion of fans and participants alike.
