After Majestic Grade 1 Victory, Equestrian World Witnesses the Graceful Exit of Sodashi

The equestrian community, standing out, gets to witness the majestic presence of the creatures on the field as they race to the wire. These animal athletes are celebrated as they stun the audience with every hoof mark they leave. However, just as these equines begin to make their appearance on the ground, they are obliged to leave just as quickly; with their career term defined at an average of 2-3.

Every year, the horse racing industry bids adieu to around 4 to 5 thousand horses. The horses compete to reach the pinnacle of grades to finally retire to the stables 3 or 4 years later. This year, joining the numbers is Japan’s beloved equine. The 5-year-old Mare’s team recently announced the news of retirement following its stellar performances; alongside a piece of exciting news for the long-standing fans.

Equestrian community bids goodbye to beloved racehorse

Sodashi, the Naosuke Sugai-trained horse saw the beginning of its career back in 2020. In its debut year, the folly returned a win to all the 4 starts made that year. Beginning her career with a spectacle, Sodashi went on to achieve the best of results in 4 years of her presence.

The grey stallion Kurofune is recognized as a white equine but interestingly has dark chestnut “medicine hat” markings on her head, with jagged chestnut spots on her body; reports Horse Talk. This unique appearance of the mare made her the first of her kind to win a group 1 race. However, unfortunately, Sodashi underwent problems earlier this year that led to her retirement.

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According to reports, Sodashi developed problems with her legs which made it difficult for the equine to continue. Following the occurrence, Sodashi was sent to rest at one of the stables of Northern Farm Kuko. But earlier this month, the team announced that the famed horse will be retiring. Nonetheless, the team to the console of fans further announced that Sodashi will be passing the baton on to her full sister Mama Cocha;  a bay four-year-old who won the G1 Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama.  Though the 5-year-old is now off the grounds, she has left a trail of success that remains harder to attain.

Sodashi exits with impressive records

The equine who made her presence in 2020, now stands entitled to a total of 16 starts to her career. Though the mare remained undefeated throughout her 1st year as a racehorse, her major achievement was earned in 2021 when she contested at the Japanese Fillies Triple Crown. During the first of the three stops, Japanese 1000 Guineas, Sodashi defeated Satono Reinas by a neck; stopping the clock at 1:31.10. The Japanese 1000 Guineas which was a Group 1 race earned Sodashi the esteemed fame.

The first two years of her career were remarkable for Sodashi. In 2020, she was named the best 2-year-old and named the country’s best three-year-old filly in 2021. The now 5-year-old won a total of 3 group 1 races in Japan.  Her other wins include the Sapporo Kinen a G2 in 2021 and the third G1 at 2022 Victoria Mile. Sadoshi further laced 2nd and 3rd in her following G1 races to finally land a 7th right before her retirement.

The 5-year-old Mare stepped out of the industry with career earnings of $5,346,186. According to the reports, she will now stand stud at Northern Farm as a broodmare after being taken off the registration on October 5th.

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