2021 News

Summary of sires results for 2020

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

Deep Impact the general ranking champion for the ninth consecutive year

General sires ranking

In the 2020 general ranking in Japan, Deep Impact (by Sunday Silence (USA)), who produced 11 generations over his career, remained in the top spot throughout the year, becoming the champion sire in this category for the ninth consecutive year with a score that was nearly twice as high as the runner-up.

Following in the footsteps of his sire, undefeated Contrail became the eighth Triple Crown winner in history following victories in the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) (G1), the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) (G1), and the Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger) (G1). He was also Deep Impact’s sixth Derby winner. Four-year-old mare Gran Alegria won two G1 races—the Yasuda Kinen (G1) and the Mile Championship (G1)—and collected the JRA award for Best Sprinter or Miler, while five-year-old stallion Fierement secured a second consecutive victory in the 3,200m Tenno Sho (Spring), and was voted the Best Older Colt or Horse. These achievements reflected another strong year for Deep Impact as a sire.

Lord Kanaloa (by King Kamehameha) occupied the second place, his highest ranking to date. His five-year-old mare Almond Eye triumphed in the Victoria Mile (G1), the Tenno Sho (Autumn) (G1), and the Japan Cup (G1). These three G1 victories not only earned her the reputation of all-time best filly or mare, but also the JRA title of Horse of the Year. In third position was Heart’s Cry (by Sunday Silence (USA)), who moved down one spot in the rankings from second place last year. His three-year-old colt Salios won the Mainichi Okan (G2), and performed well in the classic races for three-year-olds.

General two-year-old sires ranking

In the ranking for the two-year-old category, Deep Impact became the 10th champion, retaining the title for the fifth consecutive year. His colt Red Belle Aube won the Daily Hai Nisai Stakes (G2). The second place in this category was occupied by Duramente (by King Kamehameha), a first crop sire who secured victories in two of the Triple Crown races throughout his career—the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) (G1) and the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) (G1) in 2015. He outperformed top-ranked Deep Impact in terms of number of colts and fillies securing victories and number of victories. While none of the runners of his crop won a graded race, his colt Titleholder finished 4th in the Hopeful Stakes (G1). Maurice (by Screen Hero), also a first crop sire, finished in third place. His colt Kaiser Nova triumphed in the Clover Sho (OP). Kizuna (by Deep Impact), who came in second last year, finished in close fourth.

General first crop sires ranking

2020 was a fruitful year for first crop sires. The top spot in this category was held by Duramente (by King Kamehameha), who won two of the Triple Crown races throughout his career—the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) (G1) and the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) (G1) in 2015. His crop achieved an overwhelming 43 victories, 8 more than the runner-up. In second place was Maurice (by Screen Hero), who accumulated six G1 wins throughout his career in races such as the Hong Kong Cup (G1) and the Hong Kong Mile (G1). Among his crop, 32 colts and fillies achieved victories, not far behind the top-ranked Duramente (35 colts and fillies). The third place was occupied by Makfi (GB) (by Dubawi (IRE)), who won the UK 2000 Guineas Stakes in 2010. His colt Luce d’Oro achieved a second-place finish in the Hakodate Nisai Stakes (G3), and a third-place finish in the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun (L) at Kawasaki Racecourse. The top 3 sires in this category were represented in the top 10 two-year-old sires ranking. In fourth place was Leontes (by King Kamehameha), who won the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (G1) in 2015. His crop delivered 17 winners. This included Vert Clair, who won her debut race. Mikki Isle, who won two G1 mile races throughout his career, including the NHK Mile Cup (G1) in 2014, finished in fifth position. His filly Meikei Yell won two graded races—the Fantasy Stakes (G3) and the Kokura Nisai Stakes (G3).

Sires newly introduced in 2021
・Nadal (USA): Winner of the Arkansas Derby (G1)
(foaled in 2017; by Blame (USA)) Shadai Stallion Station
・Siskin (USA): Win record of two G1 races, including the Irish 2000 Guineas (G1)
(foaled in 2017; by First Defence (USA)) Shadai Stallion Station
・Noble Mission (GB): Win record of three G1 races, including the UK Champion Stakes (G1)
(foaled in 2009; by Galileo (IRE)) JBBA Shizunai Stallion Station

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

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