On April 29, 2025, the 70th Feathered Tiara (JpnI, 3-year-old, Dirt 1800m) took place at Ohi Racecourse, where Natural Rise, ridden by jockey Yokoyama Takeshi, showcased a stunning performance to claim victory. The race saw the heavily favored Natural Rise, who was supported by a 1.3x win bet, dominate from the start, ultimately winning by an impressive five horse lengths.
Natural Rise, a three-year-old colt trained by Ito Keizo, made his presence felt early in the race, settling in third position before making a decisive move in the final stretch. As he approached the finish line, he quickly pulled away from his competitors, demonstrating a clear superiority over the field. The winning time was clocked at 1 minute 52.1 seconds, on a heavy track, marking his second graded stakes win.
Finishing in second place was Night of Fania, a four-year-old colt from Ohi trained by Watanabe Kazuo, who crossed the line five lengths behind the winner. Jananadoria, the second favorite, secured third place, trailing six lengths behind Night of Fania. The race was marked by Natural Rise's impressive ability to maintain control and pace, leaving little doubt about his capabilities on the track.
Natural Rise is a product of notable lineage, with Kizuna as his sire and Lady Madonna as his dam, whose lineage includes Distorted Humor. This victory adds to Natural Rise's impressive record, which now stands at four wins in five starts, including two victories in local races. The win at the Feathered Tiara marks an important milestone in his career, as it is the first leg of the Dirt Triple Crown, leading to the Tokyo Derby and Japan Dirt Classic.
The Feathered Tiara has become a prestigious event in Japanese horse racing, attracting top three-year-old dirt horses from across the nation. Since 2024, the Japan Racing Association (JRA) horses have been allowed to participate, increasing the competition level and drawing attention from racing enthusiasts. This year, the event featured a robust field of 15 horses, all vying for the coveted title and a substantial first-place prize of 50 million yen.
Yokoyama Takeshi, at just 26 years old, expressed his excitement following the victory. "From the training sessions leading up to this race, the team had prepared Natural Rise exceptionally well. I felt a great atmosphere and knew we had a strong chance. Although he isn't the fastest out of the gate, I aimed to let other horses take the lead and create a barrier for him. He was a bit difficult to manage at times, but I believe he showed great patience and strength throughout the race," Yokoyama said.
He continued, "We made our move early from the fourth corner, and even though he showed some signs of struggling, he was powerful and managed to pull through. He is still a bit rough around the edges, but he is growing steadily. If he continues to improve, I will be thrilled, and I hope everyone supports Natural Rise as he progresses in his career."
Trainer Ito Keizo, who is 62 years old, celebrated his first victory in the Feathered Tiara alongside Yokoyama. This win not only adds to the accolades of both the horse and the jockey but also solidifies Ito's reputation as a trainer capable of preparing horses for high-stakes races.
The Feathered Tiara serves as a crucial stepping stone in the careers of many young horses, and Natural Rise's victory positions him as a strong contender for the upcoming races in the Dirt Triple Crown series. With his impressive performance, he has set a high standard for his peers and raised expectations for his future races.
As the dust settles on this thrilling event, fans and experts alike are eager to see how Natural Rise will fare in the next stages of the Triple Crown series. With his combination of speed, stamina, and determination, he has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of Japanese horse racing. The excitement surrounding his future races is palpable, and many are already marking their calendars for the next opportunity to see this promising athlete in action.
In summary, the 70th Feathered Tiara was a showcase of talent, determination, and the spirit of competition. Natural Rise's impressive victory not only highlights his potential but also promises a thrilling season ahead for horse racing fans across Japan.
