The 27th Kakitsubata Memorial, held at Nagoya Racecourse on February 24th, saw Roadfornce, ridden by jockey Kazuki Yokoyama, claim victory with commendable style. This notable event brought together ten competitors, with Roadfornce, the five-year-old stallion trained by Shogo Yasuda, starting as the favorite. His performance, marked by a long sprint initiated at the third corner, culminated in a winning time of 1 minute and 33.5 seconds on good dirt.
Sunrise Hawk and Peisha Es were significant competitors, finishing closely behind the winner. Despite being the second favorite, Sunrise Hawk made a strong attempt to repeat his previous year’s success but could only manage second place, finishing just by a neck. Peisha Es, on the other hand, pushed hard from well-positioned at the outset but settled for third, three-quarters of a length behind – affirming the dominance of the top three contenders from the Japan Racing Association (JRA).
This win marked Roadfornce’s first major victory, with the horse being heralded for his impressive lineage. Sired by Lord Kanaloa and out of Ousuper (whose own sire is Daiwa Major), Roadfornce was bred at Kei Ai Farm. His winning owner is Road Horse Club, and his record now stands at six wins from fifteen races, including one victory on the local circuit.
Kazuki Yokoyama expressed his relief and excitement following the race, saying, “I’m honestly relieved he held on well. We’ve partnered several times and I’ve always had high hopes for this horse, so I’m really happy to see him succeed here.” His sentiments reflect the close bond and trust developed over numerous rides together, highlighting the challenges of handling such an ambitious horse.
Looking back at the build-up to the race, some pundits had doubts about Roadfornce's readiness, following varied performances. Notably, competing horse Win the Nadou was expected to bounce back from previous races. Having underperformed after being the frontrunner, his chances were questioned; still, his abilities remained undisputed as the second favorite. Roadrazlight had shown promise with consistent second-place finishes before the race, indicating his capacity to challenge for winning positions.
The Kakitsubata Memorial is significant not only for the competitors but also holds importance within Japan’s horse racing calendar, serving as both a test and showcase for the country’s top-level racers. Trainers and owners alike aim to use this prestigious race as a stepping stone for greater accolades, establishing their horses’ prowess on larger stages.
This year’s event reiterated the thrilling nature of horse racing, captivating audiences and showcasing the world-class talent present within the sport. Roadfornce’s victory stands as a beacon of future possibilities for the horse and his connections, symbolizing their hard work and dedication.
With this win, Roadfornce now stands poised for greater opportunities on the racing circuit, potentially inspiring other contenders as they chase their own dreams of glory within this traditionally rich and competitive arena.