The 2025 Ungo Frauw Race, held on February 24 at the Urawa Racecourse, showcased the fierce competition among three-year-old fillies within the South Kanto racing circuit. This race has historically served not only as recognition for these young athletes but also as an avenue for qualifying for even more prestigious events.
This year, the spotlight shone brightly on Proud Fleur, the reigning champion, alongside formidable rivals Zero Hour and Will Shine. The excitement surrounding the race reached new heights, as horse enthusiasts arrived eager to watch these top contenders battle it out on the dirt 1400-meter track, which has transitioned from being just another race to one of notable significance since it gained graded stakes status.
Day-of preparations were bolstered by favorable weather conditions and optimal track conditions, which promised to make for thrilling competition. Jockeys, trainers, and fans poised themselves to observe how each filly would handle the dynamic atmosphere of the Urawa course, known for its challenges. "This event has transformed over the years, and now we see the real competitive spirit of these horses on display," remarked the Race Official.
Proud Fleur entered the event with impressive credentials; after securing victories leading up to the Ungo Frauw, trainer evaluations were high. "Proud Fleur is the reigning champion and I expect her to show incredible form this time around," asserted her trainer from the Tokyo Racing stable. Contrarily, Zero Hour faced pressure, striving for redemption as she looked to avenge her earlier loss to Proud Fleur by just 1.5 lengths. Harnessing her experience from previous races, Zero Hour was outfitted with personalized strategies to maximize her advantage. "We’ve equipped Zero Hour with the best possible training and adjusted her tactics for this race," her jockey mentioned before the event.
Race day unfolded with palpable tension as fans cheered and jockeys continued their pre-race rituals. With the starting gate opening, the fillies darted off with determination, jockeys managing their position as they navigated through the bends of the track. Observers noticed how certain horses began to position themselves favorably for the final stretch. "The track conditions are perfect for racing today, and I'm excited to see how the fillies perform," voiced one of the jockeys after the morning trials.
Throughout the race, strategies differed; some jockeys opted for aggressive tactics, leading from the front, whereas others remained patient, waiting to make their move at the right moment. The dynamics were continually shifting with each turn, underscoring the unpredictable nature of horse racing. The excitement peaked during the final stretch, where supporters of all horses held their breath during the last moments.
When the dust settled, results revealed the outcome of the race. Proud Fleur retained her crown, narrowly clinching victory again, with Zero Hour making significant strides but eventually finishing just behind her. Following the race, reactions poured in from trainers, jockeys, and breeders, analyzing where their equine competitors excelled or faltered. Proud Fleur's performance corroborated the expectations set forth by her team. "She is simply remarkable, and her ability to maintain composure under pressure is what solidifies her excellence," noted her trainer, showcasing the confidence they had leading up to the event.
Zero Hour's connections praised her performance as well, reiterting the adjustments made were evident, providing hope for future races. "Her form is on the rise, and I have no doubt we will see her again as a strong contender," commented her jockey.