Dobun, the celebrated six-year-old racehorse, officially retired on January 15, 2023, as the Japan Racing Association (JRA) announced the cancellation of his registration. Known for his impressive record, Dobun is set to transition from his career on the racetrack to become a stallion at a ranch in Hokkaido.
With three significant open race victories under his belt, Dobun leaves behind a legacy marked by success. The horse was purchased for record-setting 470.1 million yen (approximately $4.7 million) at the Chiba Thoroughbred Sale back in 2021, making headlines as the highest-priced horse sold at the auction, thanks to the efforts of his owner, Fujita Susumu, who is also the president of CyberAgent.
Dobun's racing career has been noteworthy, with achievements including wins at the Kikyo Stakes, Port Island Stakes, and Capital Stakes. His last race, the Capital Stakes held last November, marked the end of his competition days, concluding his racing tenure with 18 starts and six victories. He amassed total earnings of 183.36 million yen, showcasing his prowess on the racetrack.
Reflecting on Dobun's remarkable career, Fujita expressed excitement about the horse's future, stating, "I was excited to see Dobun transition to breeding after such a successful racing career." His move to the Northern Horse Racing Stable is seen as promising, with expectations high for his potential as a sire.
With Dobun's retirement, the Northern Horse Racing Stable anticipates the impact he may have on breeding new champion competitors. His lineage, saturate with the famed Deep Impact strain, indicates strong possibilities for producing desirable offspring. This transition has generated discussions among racing enthusiasts about what the future may hold for the next generation of racehorses.
Dobun's exit from competitive racing not only resonates with fans and the immediate racing community but also speaks volumes about the merger of racing achievements and the breeding industry. His pedigree and performance on the racetrack position him well for success as he shifts from racing to progeny, sparking interest among those following horse bloodlines.
While the racing community bids farewell to Dobun as a competitor, the legacy he leaves behind compounds his stature. His success has contributed significantly to the reputation of the Northern Horse Racing Stable, inspiring allegiance among racing supporters and commercial interests alike.
Staff at the stable and fans alike are enthusiastic about the next chapter for Dobun, optimizing expectations around the quality genes he will pass to his future foals. There is hope he will continue to enrich the world of racing through his lineage, ensuring Dobun's impact reverberates throughout the sport.