The 2023 horse racing season has presented numerous incredible races throughout the year. However, while it has brought joy, it has also carried disappointing moments. The scratches and deaths during the Breeders’ Cup or the continued retirements with or without injuries, have been a rollercoaster for the community. Today, adding to the list of the latter, another one of the field’s cherished, has taken a final bow from the tracks.

Toru Kurita-trained Titleholder began his career in 2021 with a promising start incurring a win. Over the weekend, he ended it equally well at Nakayama Racecourse. His noticeable 3-year-career welcomed enthusiasts to cherish the 5-year-old as he received an honorary ceremony.

Horse racing enthusiasts gather to bid farewell

On Sunday, the 24th, the track where Titleholder ran his last race hosted a retirement ceremony for the Tenno Sho champion. In front of thousands of gathered enthusiasts, the 18-starter was on the receiving end of love and admiration. “Titleholder was given a rousing send-off by the Nakayama crowd in a retirement ceremony,” Horse Racing World’s news announcement read.

” He always taught me to take one step forward and move on to the next. As he heads to the next stage, I would like to see the scenery that I was not able to see with Titleholder with his children, so I would be happy if all the fans could continue to support him,” trainer Toru Kurita remarked; thankful of the dreams the equine carried throughout his career. The 5-year-old bid his final goodbye to the horse racing tracks on Sunday before heading on a new path.

Titleholder faces final battle

On the 24th for Arima Kinen, the tracks of Nakayama Racecourse were filled with the finest of racers. Out of 16, 9 stood as Grade 1 winners, among whom 3 were known to be Japanese Derby winners. In the midst of the best, Titleholder remained a favorite and kept up to the wire. As Do Deuce clinched the coveted title, Titleholder left behind 6 of the G1 winners to secure 3rd place. 

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The 5-year-old retires with 7 wins out of 18 starts to his name. Nikkei Sho, Tenno Sho (Spring) and Takarazuka Kinen framed the notable wins’ list for Titleholder. He will be retiring to Miho Training Centre initially with career earnings worth $7,506,591.74. Earlier next year, Lex Stud in Hokkaido will welcome him for stud duties.

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