On May 6, 2025, the Nagoya Grand Prix (Jpn2, Dirt 2100m) captivated horse racing fans at Nagoya Racecourse, where the spotlight shone brightly on the four-year-old mare, Sunrise Zipangu. Ridden by jockey Ryuusei Sakai, Sunrise Zipangu displayed exceptional skill and determination, crossing the finish line in first place and securing her third graded stakes victory since her last win at the G3 Miyako Stakes on November 3, 2024.
The race, which started at 17:50, saw Sunrise Zipangu take a strategic position in third place before making her move at the three-quarter mark. Her powerful surge allowed her to take the lead, ultimately winning by a comfortable two lengths over the second-place finisher, Shinemederjee, a promising competitor from Kochi.
Sunrise Zipangu's victory was not just a personal triumph; it also marked a historic moment for the Nagoya Racecourse. The event set new records for the highest sales amount for a single day, the highest amount for a single race, and the highest sales amount for the Nagoya Grand Prix itself. The total sales for the day reached an astonishing 2,498,163,200 yen, surpassing the previous record of 2,312,843,700 yen set on December 19, 2024.
"I felt that the horse had improved significantly since its previous race. I was confident despite the difficult development, and I believed in the horse's power," said Sakai after the race, reflecting on his partnership with Sunrise Zipangu. This win was particularly special for him, as he noted, "Winning a graded race is my first, and my grandfather used to be a groom here, so this victory is very meaningful to me." His connection to the Nagoya Racecourse added an emotional layer to the triumph.
Sunrise Zipangu's journey has been remarkable. Trained by Kouichi Niitani, she has shown impressive form, particularly since focusing on dirt races. Her previous performances included a strong showing at the Kawasaki Kinen, where she finished just 0.2 seconds behind the winner. With this victory, she has solidified her status as a top contender in the JpnII category, aiming for even greater challenges ahead.
As for the competition, Shinemederjee, who finished second, has been a consistent performer on the circuit, known for his resilience and competitive spirit. He has previously made headlines by finishing as the top local horse in various graded races. The third-place finisher, Note d'Ete, had high hopes of defending his title but ultimately fell short, finishing behind both Sunrise Zipangu and Shinemederjee.
The Nagoya Grand Prix has a rich history, having undergone several changes over the years. Originally contested at a distance of 2500m until 2021, the race was shortened to its current distance of 2100m in 2022 following the relocation of the racecourse. Additionally, the timing of the event was moved from December to early May starting in 2024, allowing it to serve as a precursor to the prestigious Teio Sho.
Key contenders for this year’s race included not only Sunrise Zipangu but also other notable horses such as the local favorite, Note d'Ete, and the seasoned competitor, Shinemederjee. The excitement surrounding the race was palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating how the horses would perform on the day.
Throughout the race, the atmosphere at Nagoya Racecourse was electric, fueled by the holiday excitement. The record-breaking sales figures reflect the growing popularity of horse racing in Japan, and events like the Nagoya Grand Prix are essential in maintaining that momentum.
The significance of this victory for Sunrise Zipangu extends beyond the immediate accolades. It highlights the potential for future successes, particularly as she aims for her first G1 title. As Sakai mentioned, "There is still room for improvement, and I want to help her achieve that G1 win in the future." The racing community will be watching closely to see how Sunrise Zipangu’s career unfolds from here.
In conclusion, the 25th Nagoya Grand Prix was not just a race; it was a celebration of talent, history, and the enduring spirit of competition. With Sunrise Zipangu emerging as the star of the day, the event has set a high bar for future races, promising even more thrilling moments in the world of Japanese horse racing.
