On March 12, 2025, the "Daiolai Memorial JPN2" race concluded at Funabashi Racecourse, where Serafic Coeur, the second favorite, claimed victory by just a nose, marking its second consecutive win. This event celebrated the legacy of Daiolai, the first Triple Crown winner in Japanese horse racing history, which has its namesake rooted deeply within the region.
The race itself is steeped in history, having evolved from its original format of 1800 meters to its current length of 2400 meters since 1976. First held to honor Daiolai, imported from England back in 1935, the event transitioned to allowing JRA-affiliated horses to participate starting from 1996. This year’s race, graded Jpn2, boasted outstanding competitors and maintained its status as the longest dirt racing event within the local horse racing circuit.
Despite the inclement weather, which featured heavy rain, the race unfolded with dynamic energy. Meisho Funjin, the sixth favorite, took the lead right from the start, managing to secure the front position. Initially not quite firing on all cylinders, as noted during the middle stages of the race, it wasn't long before he began to regain momentum and close the gap, pushing toward the front as the horses rounded the final turn.
While Meisho Funjin attempted to hold off the competition, it was Serafic Coeur who capitalized on the lead created by Grand Bridge, the third favorite, who also competed gallantly. With determination and skillful jockeying from M. Demuro, Serafic Coeur surged forward, showcasing remarkable speed and tenacity to pull off the narrow win.
This race marked not only Serafic Coeur's return to form but also Demuro's first graded stakes victory since winning the Miyako Stakes with Shiran Keito the previous week. "It was great to win at Funabashi, where I have fond memories, including my time training under the late Masayuki Kawashima," Demuro said exuberantly. "Winning here means so much to me."
Serafic Coeur had entered the race on the heels of previous struggles, evidenced by its 10th place showing last year at the Champions Cup and 12th this year, coming back strongly to seize the victory with the same draw it held last year. Despite obtaining some less favorable results against fierce competitors, the team remains optimistic about Serafic Coeur’s future. Trainer Terashima, visibly pleased with the results, noted, "The conditions and our positioning worked well for us this time around. The race had many things fall perfectly in place. Our goal remains the G1 title, building upon last year's experiences."
Serafic Coeur has built quite the impressive resume, including five consecutive wins leading up to the Miyako Stakes, but last year saw the thoroughbred struggle against top-notch competition, finishing fifth and eighth respectively at the Kawasaki Kinen and the Emperor's Cup. His impressive pedigree and competitive spirit suggest he is still on the rise, hinting at future success beyond this latest victory.
Looking forward, the exact details of Serafic Coeur’s next race remain uncertain. The team is motivated to transform the disappointment of last year’s setbacks, using these experiences to push forward toward G1 glory. "The potential is high; the horse has strong abilities, and his spirit is resolute. We look forward to more successes to come from him," said Demuro, encapsulating the fervent hopes of the team and supporters alike.
Overall, the Daiolai Memorial race signified more than just another opportunity for racing; it served as confirmation of the growth and potential within the sport. With dramatic moments and fierce competition wrapped together, the legacy of Daiolai continues to flourish, inspiring both participants and viewers of the exhilarating world of Japanese horse racing.