At the Kyoto Racecourse on December 21st, the 5R 2-year-old maiden race (1600m turf) saw impressive action as the 6th favorite, Francs Pixel (t2), ridden by the renowned C. Demuro, galloped to victory with style. The winning time was recorded at 1:35.5 on good ground.
Francs Pixel triumphed by three and a half lengths, demonstrating skill and speed. The second place was taken by Teio Nobel, the 8th favorite, also trained at the Riktō stable, followed closely by Daring Air, the 3rd favorite. The race unfolded with excitement and tension, as spectators held their breath, eagerly watching the contenders fight for the lead.
Trained by Tomokazu Takano at Riktō, Francs Pixel's pedigree hints at its potential. Sired by Frankel and out of Impede (by Bated Breath), Francs Pixel has made quite the debut, and its lineage draws attention from fans and professionals alike. Frankel, noted as one of the best racehorses of all time, adds significant promise to the colt’s racing future.
Post-race comments from C. Demuro gave insight on the performance and potential challenges. “This horse has some sensitivity when it’s racing, and since it was a slow pace, controlling it was tricky. But once we hit the straight, it ran energetically like the wonderful filly it is,” stated Demuro, encapsulating the experiences of the race.
Daring Air, ridden by Kohei Matsuyama, who is the full sibling to the Triple Crown winner Daring Tact, finished third. Matsuyama noted, “We practiced our starts well, and it was promising, but we couldn’t match the winning horse’s momentum.” The race showcased several young talents, promising a bright future for them on the tracks.
The race was not without surprises; the favorite, Sole Espiragia, under R. Sakai, came to finish fourth, and another well-regarded horse, Reitiya Konaru, ridden by R. Moore, struggled to find its stride and finished thirteenth. These shifts kept the audience engaged, underlining the unpredictability and thrill of horse racing.
Every aspect of the race day contributes to the atmosphere, excitement, and budding stories of racehorses making their debuts. For Francs Pixel, the triumphant start signals it as one to watch for future races, not only due to its family legacy but also its performance under pressure.
The growing popularity of racing series and events like these exemplifies the deep-rooted tradition and love for horses within Japan. Events at Kyoto have long held importance due to their competitive nature and rich history. This latest race victory for Francs Pixel paints the picture of new beginnings not only for the horse but for its connections as they look forward to what’s next.
Fans and trainers alike will be eager to see how Francs Pixel develops as it prepares for future competitions, but for now, it enjoys the limelight with its impressive debut victory, making its mark on the racing scene.
