2018 News

Summary of sires results for 2017

By Masayuki Ito, The Japan Bloodhorse Breeders' Association (JBBA)

Deep Impact the general ranking champion for the 6th consecutive year
Remarkable quality of sires that produced their first generation

General sires ranking

In the 2017 general ranking in Japan, Deep Impact (sire: Sunday Silence (USA)), who has produced eight generations over his career, reclaimed the top spot from King Kamehama in March, becoming the champion sire in this category for the 6th consecutive year.

Deep Impact’s colts won one of the three Triple Crown races: Al Ain won the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) (G1) (GI). However, no victories were secured in the female Triple Crown races, and the total prize money declined from the previous year for the first time, which was an unusual outcome. Conversely, overseas performance was remarkable, with Vivlos winning the Dubai Turf (GI) of Dubai, Saxon Warrior (JPN; exported) winning the Racing Post Trophy Stakes (GI) in the UK and the Beresford Stakes (GII), and Tosen Stardom (JPN; transferred to Australia) winning two GI races. These achievements reflected a new development.

King Kamehameha (sire: Kingmambo (USA)), remained in second place in the sires ranking for a 6th consecutive year as well. His colt Rey de Oro won the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) (GI), and Kiseki (second generation) won the Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger) (GI), with performance thus being strong across generations.

In third place in the sires ranking was Stay Gold, who has won the Hong Kong Vase (GI) and the Dubai Sheema Classic (GII). His four-year-old filly Admire Lead won the Victoria Mile (GI). Stay Gold’s advance in the ranking was partly attributable to Oju Chosan winning four steeplechase races (J-GI).

General two-year-old sires ranking

In the ranking for the two-year-old category, Deep Impact became the 7th champion for the 2nd consecutive year. Danon Premium won the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (GI), and was selected for the JRA Award for Best Two-Year-Old colt. Deep Impact renewed his individual record in prize money in this category. In second place was Lord Kanaloa (sire: King Kamehameha), whose first-generation offspring successively exhibited strong performance from the start of the season. Although no G races were won, his colt delivered a solid performance and beat rival regular-breed colts to secure a second position.

General first crop sires ranking

Sires for whom the first crop reached the racing age in 2017 were outstanding across the board compared to recent years. The competition for the title of champion in this category is tough, and there are signs that point to potential changes in the landscape for Japanese-breed colts going forward.

The top spot was held by Lord Kanaloa, who successively won the Hong Kong Sprint (GI) in 2012–2013. His colt Stelvio won two races, placed second in GI and GIII races, and earned the most money. In second place was Henny Hughes (USA), whose colt won local principal race. In third place was Orfevre (sire: Stay Gold), who successively won the Prix Foy (GII) in 2012–2013. His filly Lucky Lilac won the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (GI) and was selected for the JRA Award for Best Two-Year-Old Filly, while Rock This Down won a GIII race, thus reflecting a strong start.  

JRA = Japan Racing Association
NAR = National Association of Racing (Racing by Local Governments)

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