Year After Dazzling Horse Racing Triumph, Japan Cup Winning Stallion Gears up for Retirement

Thousands of racehorses are known to retire each other. Wins, placings, or career earnings, the first few years of their lives are often defined by numbers. However, numbers massive or low, a retirement never ceases to leave behind a trail in horse racing. Today, Carrot Farm Co., Ltd announces the retirement of one of its champions. Let’s take a glance at its hooves.

Vela Azul announced its eminent presence in the industry as it ran through the Japan Cup last year. Leaving behind an army of 17 horses, the 5-year-old emerged victorious to clinch its biggest title. Unfortunately or otherwise, a year after the glory, the horse put forth a decision well deserved.

Vela Azul bids its farewell

On the 6th of December, the World Horse Racing announced “Happy retirement to VELA AZUL. The 2022 Japan Cup winner has been retired to Shadai Stallion Station.” In November 2022, Vela Azul earned the biggest win of its career as it rode to victory with Ryan Moore. The duo posted 2:23.70 to fetch the now 6-year-old a last win to its name for a further 5-start career.

Trained by Kunihiko Watanabe, Vela Azul was Moore’s second Japan Cup winner after Gentildonna in 2013. “I was very lucky to ride a talented horse,” commented Moore; reports Thoroughbred Racing. The Cup is regarded as the joint-richest race alongside the end-of-year grand prix, the Arima Kinen. However, having attained the glorious victory, the further path proved to be a cold one for the equine with no glowing titles. The 6-year-old ran its last race at the venue that introduced an excelling talent.

The equine’s final horse racing moments

Vela Azul, trained by Kunihiko Watanabe made its debut as a 5-year-old in 2020 at Hanshin. A year into its career, the equine fetched its first major win at Awaji Tokubetsu, followed by June Stakes. By the time it reached the 2022 Japan Cup, the 5-year-old had 5 wins to name and just one more after that. 

Also Read: “Thank You”: After Japan Cup Victory, Trainer Shares Heartfelt Message with Equinox’s Fans

On November 26th, boarded by Hollie Doyle, Vela Azul, Japan’s beloved horse racing champion, ran its final race at the 2023 Japan Cup hoping to break Gentildonna’s two-year streak. But with Equinox on the tracks, the grounds knew the next champion. The duo however positioned 7th by the wire to give Vela Azul a 6-win career and ¥549.68 million in earnings. Vela Azul will accompany this year’s Japan Cup winner, Equinox in Shadai Stallion Station for a post-retirement life.

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