On April 19, 2025, the 27th Nakayama Grand Jump (JG1) unfolded at Nakayama Racecourse, where Ecolo Duel, the fifth favorite, secured a stunning victory, marking its first JG1 title. Ridden by the determined jockey Taizo Kusano, Ecolo Duel crossed the finish line with an impressive record time of 4 minutes and 50.5 seconds, pulling ahead by a remarkable eight horse lengths.
In a race that featured twelve competitors, Ecolo Duel, a six-year-old gelding trained by Takaki Iwai, demonstrated exceptional stamina and skill. Starting strong, the horse quickly established a lead alongside the second favorite, June Velocity. However, Ecolo Duel soon broke away, leaving the competition in its dust. This victory not only signifies a personal triumph for Kusano, who achieved his first JG1 victory in his tenth attempt, but also marks a historic moment for Iwai, who celebrated his first JG1 win in his 24th year of training.
Following Ecolo Duel in the race were Navi Eam, who finished second, and Impress, who took third place. The favorite, MyネルGlanz, unfortunately stumbled to a fifth-place finish after experiencing a breakdown post-race.
"I couldn't help but cry. I hope the jockey camera doesn't show it," Kusano shared emotionally after the race, reflecting on the significance of the moment. This victory comes after a long journey for Kusano, who has ridden Ecolo Duel in 11 of its 12 races since entering the stable. He recalled a painful memory from the previous year’s Nakayama Grand Jump when he was sidelined due to an injury and watched from a hospital bed, wishing for a chance to compete.
Kusano expressed his joy, stating, "I had been watching the predecessors and thinking that one day it would be my turn. I am really glad to have won." His sentiments echoed the feelings of many in the racing community who have followed his journey over the years.
The winning time of 4 minutes and 50.5 seconds shattered the previous course record of 4 minutes and 51.6 seconds set by Meiner Neos back in 2011. This record-breaking performance added an extra layer of excitement to the event, showcasing Ecolo Duel's remarkable capabilities and Kusano's adept handling.
As the race unfolded, Ecolo Duel's pedigree was highlighted, being sired by Kizuna and out of the mare クラリネット, whose lineage includes the notable Giant's Causeway. The horse's previous performances included a third-place finish in the 2023 Nakayama Daishogai and a fourth-place finish in the 2024 Nakayama Grand Jump, making this victory particularly sweet after several near misses.
Post-race, Kusano reflected on the strategy that led to Ecolo Duel's success: "I think it was a race that brought out the best in Ecolo Duel without losing concentration. It's a horse that sometimes loses focus. I waited and waited in the back, and then ran a race that used up all my stamina. I think I was finally able to bring out Ecolo Duel's maximum potential." His insights into the race strategy revealed the meticulous preparation that goes into such high-stakes competitions.
Meanwhile, Iwai expressed his gratitude and excitement, stating, "This victory means everything to us. After years of hard work and dedication, to finally achieve this title is a dream come true." His words resonated with the fans and supporters who have followed the team’s journey closely.
The Nakayama Grand Jump is a prestigious event in the horse racing calendar, and this year's race did not disappoint. The atmosphere at Nakayama Racecourse was electric, with fans cheering wildly as the horses thundered down the track. The victory of Ecolo Duel added to the excitement, making it a memorable day in the world of horse racing.
As the dust settles on this thrilling event, the racing community is already looking forward to what lies ahead for Ecolo Duel and Kusano. With this significant win under their belts, the duo is poised for future success, potentially setting their sights on more prestigious races in the coming months.
In conclusion, the 27th Nakayama Grand Jump will be remembered not just for the thrilling competition but for the emotional journey of Taizo Kusano and the breakthrough victory of Ecolo Duel. As they continue to chase greatness, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely, eager to see what this dynamic pair accomplishes next.
