Dousedouyusu, the remarkable five-year-old stallion trained by Yasuo Tomonari, has been honored with the title of Horse of the Year at the prestigious 2024 JRA Awards. The announcement was made on January 7, 2024, during the annual awards ceremony held at the JRA headquarters located in Minato, Tokyo. Dousedouyusu's exemplary performance throughout the racing season, particularly his victories at the Tenno Sho Autumn and the Japan Cup, has cemented his status as one of the leading thoroughbreds of the year.
Receiving 236 out of 256 total votes, Dousedouyusu not only clinched the coveted Horse of the Year title but was also recognized as the Best Older Male Horse, showcasing his dominance over the competition. The award selections are made based on the votes of various journalists and industry experts, highlighting the horse's outstanding achievements during the racing season.
Yutaka Take, one of Japan's most celebrated jockeys, rode Dousedouyusu during both triumphant races, contributing significantly to his success on the track. "Dousedouyusu, trained by Yasuo Tomonari, is truly deserving of this accolade after his impressive performances," said JRA, highlighting the horse's remarkable consistency and skill.
Alongside Dousedouyusu's titles, the awards night also featured several other impressive winners across 11 categories. The 2024 JRA Awards honored various horses, including best-performing young horses and other distinguished thoroughbreds. The Best Two-Year-Old Filly title went to Alma Veloche, another standout among the nominees with 255 votes, reflecting the high level of competition this year.
Similarly, Crowedunour earned recognition as the Best Two-Year-Old Colt, and Danon Desail was named the Best Three-Year-Old Colt. Other notable awardees included Celvinia for Best Three-Year-Old Filly and Stunning Rose for Best Older Mare. These results display the depth of talent within Japanese horse racing.
The special award was granted to Forever Young, who won the hearts of many for his exceptional performances, including commendable finishes at the famed Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup Classic. He was acknowledged for showcasing the strength of Japanese-trained horses on the global stage.
The awards ceremony is set for January 27, 2024, where all honorees will be celebrated for their hard work and achievements throughout the year. Microphones will be poised to capture the excitement of the racing community as it acknowledges the dedication and passion of those involved.
The JRA's recognition of excellence reflects the vibrant racing culture and heritage of Japan, emphasizing the importance of these awards for horse breeding, training, and racing industries. JRA's commitment to fostering domestic talent continues to yield remarkable results, and their annual awards play a pivotal role in motivating participants and elevanting the sport.
Overall, the 2024 JRA Awards not only celebrate the achievements of Dousedouyusu and other winners but also the progression and evolution of horse racing as a prestigious sport, both domestically and on the world stage. With the awards ceremony approaching, anticipation builds, promising recognition of exceptional performances and the enduring legacy of racing excellence.