On May 6, 2025, the highly anticipated Nagoya Grand Prix took place at Nagoya Racecourse, showcasing a thrilling lineup of talented horses competing over a distance of 2100 meters on dirt. This year marked the 25th edition of the event, which is classified as a Jpn II race for horses aged four and older. The stakes were high, with a first-place prize of 40 million yen on the line, attracting a strong field of twelve contenders.
Among the competitors was Sunrise Zepangu, who had previously finished second in the February Stakes, and was a favorite heading into the race. Drawn in stall 5, jockey Ryusei Sakai guided the four-year-old colt trained by Kazuichi Shintani to a commanding victory, marking a significant milestone for both horse and trainer.
As the race unfolded, Sunrise Zepangu quickly established a strong position. After tracking the leaders, he surged ahead to take the lead early in the race, ultimately crossing the finish line in a time of 2 minutes and 13.2 seconds despite the poor track conditions. This victory not only ended a streak of near misses for the horse, who had previously secured second place finishes in the Prokion Stakes and February Stakes, but it also represented his third graded race win, following triumphs in the 2024 Fuyo Stakes and the Miyako Stakes.
Finishing in second place was Shin Meisho D, a four-year-old gelding who was the fourth favorite in the race. He managed to close the gap by two lengths behind the winner, showcasing his competitive spirit. Meanwhile, Notturno, the second favorite and last year's champion, rounded out the top three, finishing three lengths behind Sunrise Zepangu. Notturno, ridden by the legendary jockey Yutaka Take, had previously won this race by an impressive margin of 1.6 seconds last year, but could not replicate that performance this time around.
The race was a testament to the skill and determination of Sunrise Zepangu, whose pedigree includes notable bloodlines with sire Kizuna and maternal grandsire Zoffany. Bred at Oiwake Farm in Hokkaido and owned by Life House Co., Ltd., Sunrise Zepangu has now achieved a career record of five wins out of sixteen starts, including two victories in local races.
Trainer Kazuichi Shintani expressed his joy after the race, stating, "This victory means a lot to us. Sunrise Zepangu has shown tremendous growth, and today he proved he can compete at the highest level." Jockey Ryusei Sakai echoed these sentiments, adding, "I felt confident throughout the race. The horse responded beautifully when I asked him to push forward." This win marks the first Nagoya Grand Prix victory for both Shintani and Sakai, adding to the significance of the event.
The Nagoya Grand Prix is not just a race; it's a celebration of equestrian excellence, drawing fans and competitors from across the region. The event is traditionally held on the last day of the Golden Week holiday, making it a highlight for horse racing enthusiasts. This year, the stakes were particularly high, with a competitive field and an electric atmosphere at the racecourse.
Looking ahead, the future seems bright for Sunrise Zepangu, whose recent performances suggest he could be a contender in upcoming races. The connections of the horse are optimistic about his potential, with discussions already beginning about future targets.
The race also featured several other notable competitors, including Cerafic Coeur, who recently won the Daio Light Kinen, and Meisho Funjin, who remains a strong competitor in the circuit. As the season progresses, the rivalry among these top horses is sure to heat up, promising more exciting races in the months to come.
As fans celebrate Sunrise Zepangu's victory, the Nagoya Grand Prix continues to solidify its reputation as one of the premier events in Japanese horse racing. With its rich history and commitment to showcasing the best in the sport, the Grand Prix remains a must-watch for anyone passionate about horse racing.
In conclusion, the 2025 Nagoya Grand Prix was a thrilling event that delivered on excitement and competition. Sunrise Zepangu's victory not only highlighted his talent but also marked a significant achievement for his team. As the racing season unfolds, all eyes will be on him and his rivals, eager to see who will emerge as the next champion.
