Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) (Grade 1)

THE race favourite Energico claimed the last leg of this year’s Japanese colts’ Triple Crown, the Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger), for his first Grade 1 victory.

The Duramente colt won his only start in October as a two-year-old and his first two races at three, but was withdrawn from the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) due to poor health.

He kicked off his autumn campaign with a runner-up effort in the Grade 3 Niigata Kinen against older rivals in late August and demonstrated both stamina and speed with this win.

Trainer Mizuki Takayanagi registered his third JRA Grade 1 win and jockey Christophe Lemaire scored his 56th Grade 1 victory, a week after landing the Shuka Sho with Embroidery. Lemaire also tied with Yutaka Take for most wins (five) in the last leg of the Triple Crown, previously having won in 2016 (Satono Diamond), 2018 (Fierement), 2023 (Durezza) and 2024 (Urban Chic).

Energico raced well off the pace further back than mid-division early and more near the rear and two-wide travelling in front of the stands the first time around.

Christophe Lemaire moved Energico up to fifth position entering the final straight, challenged the leader before the furlong pole then easily drew away uncontested to win comfortably by two lengths.

Fortunate

“It’s hard to believe that I won three in a row in this race! It’s a long-distance Grade 1 and very difficult to win at Grade 1 level, but I’ve been fortunate to have been given rides on such great horses with stamina every year,” Lemaire told Japanese media.

“Energico also has lots of stamina and, although he is not so sharp out of the gate, we had plenty of time to keep patient and make our way to a good spot. I took the opportunity to grab a good route on the outside and the colt responded well with a lasting finishing speed. Winning at Kyoto is special because I reside at Kyoto and winning two weeks in a row feels so great!” commented jockey Christophe Lemaire.

Eri King was near the rear early and, making a similar move approaching the last corner, stalked the eventual winner. The Kizuna colt was a little slow to pick up speed, but turned in a terrific turn of foot to outrun all but the winner for second place.