On April 19, 2025, the 27th Nakayama Grand Jump (JG1) unfolded at Nakayama Racecourse, featuring a thrilling contest over 4260 meters. In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Ecoro Duel, a 6-year-old gelding trained by Takashi Iwahashi, emerged victorious, clinching his first JG1 title with an impressive margin of eight horse lengths.
Ridden by jockey Taizo Kusano, who celebrated his first JG1 win in his 19th year of racing, Ecoro Duel showcased a commanding performance that left the crowd in awe. The winning time of 4 minutes and 50.5 seconds not only secured the victory but also set a new course record, surpassing the previous mark of 4 minutes and 51.6 seconds set by Meiner Neos in 2011.
The race featured a total of 12 competitors, and while Ecoro Duel was initially the fifth favorite, he quickly proved his worth. Kusano strategically positioned Ecoro Duel, accelerating after clearing the large hurdle, which allowed him to take control of the race. As they approached the final stretch, Kusano's confidence in the horse's stamina shone through, leading to a decisive victory.
In the closing moments of the race, Ecoro Duel maintained a substantial lead, with the second-place finisher, Navire Eam, unable to close the gap. Navire Eam, trained by Kimio Sasaki and ridden by Tadaomi Kosaka, finished eight lengths behind, while Impress, also trained by Sasaki and ridden by Kaya Komaki, took third place.
Reflecting on the victory, Kusano expressed his overwhelming emotions, stating, "I was crying on horseback. I didn’t know what to call it, but I was just so relieved to win." He further recalled the disappointment of watching last year's Nakayama Grand Jump from a hospital bed due to an injury, saying, "Last year I had to watch the race from a hospital bed, and it was a frustrating experience. I wanted to enjoy this year's race, but I didn’t have the luxury to relax."
Trainer Takashi Iwahashi, who also celebrated his first JG1 victory, praised his horse's performance and the strategy employed during the race. Kusano and Iwahashi had previously discussed their approach to the Nakayama Grand Jump, agreeing to avoid a slow-paced race and instead opt for a more aggressive strategy. This decision paid off as Ecoro Duel surged ahead of the competition.
Ecoro Duel's journey to this victory has been marked by notable performances, including a fourth-place finish in the Nakayama Grand Jump last spring and a second-place finish in the Nakayama Daishogai. Earlier this year, he finished fourth in the Hanshin Spring Jump, setting the stage for this triumphant moment.
The victory not only signifies a personal achievement for both Kusano and Iwahashi but also highlights the horse's potential as a top competitor in future races. With this win, Ecoro Duel has now achieved five victories in 22 starts, establishing himself as a formidable player in the world of jump racing.
As the dust settles from this exhilarating race, the focus now shifts to the future. Ecoro Duel is expected to take a break before aiming for the Nakayama Daishogai later this year, where he will look to build on this success. The racing community eagerly anticipates his next appearance, hoping to witness more thrilling performances from this talented horse.
In conclusion, the 27th Nakayama Grand Jump will be remembered not only for its record-breaking time and thrilling competition but also for the emotional journey of Taizo Kusano and Takashi Iwahashi. Their long-awaited triumph in the JG1 category has set the stage for future successes and continues to inspire fans and participants alike in the world of horse racing.
