Archives for March 2022

Japanese racehorses have had quite a run (pun intended) globally beginning with the 2021 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar in early November.

At the Breeders’ Cup, Japanese horses won a pair of Grade 1 races: Loves Only You in the Filly & Mare Turf and Marche Lorraine in the Distaff.  Previously, no Japanese horses had ever won a Breeders’ Cup race.

Then, at the 2022 Saudi Cup card on February 26^th, Japanese horses won four lucrative Grade 3 races: Stay Foolish in the $2.5 million Red Sea Turf; Authority in the $1.5 million Neom Turf Cap; Dancing Prince in the $1.5 Riyadh Dirt Sprint; and Songines in the $1.5 million 1351 Sprint.

But the most impressive performance was yet to come.  At the 2022 Dubai World Cup card on March 26, Japanese horses won five of the nine races—two Grade 1’s and three Grade 2’s.  Shahryar won the Dubai Shenna Classic; Stay Foolish the Dubai Gold Cup; Bathrat Leon the Godolphin Mile; Crown Pride the UAE Derby; and Panthalassa the Dubai Turf in a dead heat with Lord North. 

No one factor accounts for the meteoric rise of Japanese horse breeding and racing.  But the purchase and importation of Sunday Silence to Japan in 1990 was instrumental.  For example, all of the above-mentioned horses have this stallion in their pedigrees.

After winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Breeders’ Cup Classic in 1989, Sunday Silence was sold in 1990 by Arthur Hancock III to Zena Yoshida for a reported $10 or $11 million.  Sunday Silence would be the leading sire in Japan in 13 years and leading broodmare sire in 8 years.  He died in 2002.

Upon his retirement from racing in 1990, Sunday Silence was not highly regarded as a potential sire in the United States (mainly because of a conformation fault) and likely would not have attracted the top-quality mares befitting his stellar record on the racetrack.  But in Japan he certainly proved skeptics wrong and, in so doing, elevated racing there.

Sunday Silence’s great grandson, Crown Pride, won the 2022 UAE Derby and garnered an automatic entry in the Kentucky Derby.  It would be fitting if he were to win the Run for the Roses 33 years after his great grandsire defeated the mighty Easy Goer in the coveted race!

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The 26th running of the $12 million Dubai World Cup on Saturday (March 26) has a competitive field of eleven, with the four horses from the United States being the four top morning line choices, as follows:

1 Aero Trem 60-1
2 Chuwa Wizard 30-1
3 Country Grammer 8-1
4 Grocer Jack 30-1
5 Hot Rod Charlie 3-1
6 Hypothetical 20-1
7 Life is Good 4-5
8 Magny Cours 20-1
9 Midnight Bourbon 10-1
10 Real World 20-1
11 Remorse 30-1

Equibase  picks are 7-5-3-9.

The full 9-race card for Dubai World Cup day is worth $30.5 million in purses, with the minimum purse in any race $1 million.  The Dubai Turf is the second richest race on the card with a $5 million purse. TVG will broadcast the card, with the first race scheduled for about 7:45 a.m. eastern daylight time and the featured Dubai World Cup at 12:30 p.m.

Click here for Equibase full-card past performances.

Traditionally, it’s more than just a sport that people like to bet on—premier horse racing events and racing festivals have a long history as fashion shows. Ladies Day, Cheltenham Festival, the Grand National, Ascot and other annual gatherings all attract fashionistas, demonstrating what’s hot and what’s not. 

So, what do experts recommend you wear if you are planning to attend one of these extravaganzas?

What to Wear–Women

You want to dress to impress. You need to channel your Sunday best and then jazz it up as if you were having a good old night on the town.  A horse race is a perfect way to showcase your inner fashion model. You might want to incorporate pastels, floral prints, and anything that makes you think of the perfect summer day.

If you are heading out to a more autumnal event, then you might want to go for the natural and nude shades, with maybe a pop of color to brighten it all up.

Although most prefer to go with heels–if this isn’t something you are comfortable with, then pumps are fine–bright and complementary to your outfit.  Never worry about being overdressed–you want to stand out from the crowd.  We’d probably steer away from black-tie dress, but other than that, anything goes.

The most important accessory of all, however, at any festive horse racing event is the hat. You need to pick one that suits your style, goes with your outfit and looks fabulous. Make it classic, adventurous or even crazy. The choice is yours.

What to Wear–Men

Go for a lightweight suit because the weather is normally quite warm in prime horse racing season.  Although there might be places with air conditioning or shelter, you don’t want to be stuck in the corner afraid you will melt.

Seersucker suits are always to be recommended as they are stylish, but also lightweight and breathable. However, whatever summer or spring outfit you choose should be great. You don’t even have to wear a jacket if you don’t want to (unless a jacket and tie is required to enter some venues at a racetrack). Think pastel shirts, ties and something with a bit of character. However, if you’re heading to the races in autumn, then a standard suit is just perfect.

If you fancy pushing the boat out, definitely go for a tie.  It could be a standard dress tie or a bow tie. This will really bring your whole outfit together and you will fit in with the rest of the racetrack bigwigs. Your tie doesn’t need to have a horse racing theme.  It can be whatever color or style that goes with your outfit.

Moreover, ladies don’t have to be the only ones to get in on the hat act. Men can have just as much fun with their hats as women.

What to Wear–Kids

If you are taking your children to the races, then your main job will be to dress them in outfits that suit the weather and conditions.  But don’t forget fashion completely: Why not coordinate them with you, but with a comfortable kiddie twist.  A day at the races might include a fair bit of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must.  Also, remember to take any other accessories you might need, like sippy cups and snacks, as you don’t want an unhappy child.

Look Good But Be Sensible

A day at the races usually means spending a lot of time outside, so make sure you remember to pack that suntan lotion or umbrella, for you and your family. Another thing to consider if you don’t have an assigned seat is to bring a portable chair.  Last but certainly not least, bring your money.