Star Horse Shahryar, 2021 Japan Derby Winner and Dubai Sheema Classic Champion, to Retire as a Pensioner at Northern Horse Park

It has been announced that the celebrated racehorse Shahryar (5-year-old colt), winner of the 2021 Japan Derby and the Dubai Sheema Classic, will be retired as a pensioner at Northern Horse Park in Tomakomai, Hokkaido. This news was revealed by Shunsuke Yoshida, representative of Sunday Racing. Shahryar's path as a stallion was reportedly cut short due to a reproductive illness.

Mr. Yoshida expressed his regret, stating, "His reproductive illness worsened, and he unfortunately lost his fertility partway through. It's truly disappointing, as we had great expectations for him as a stallion." Shahryar had joined Shadai Stallion Station as a breeding stallion but was forced to retire due to the worsening of his condition, leaving behind only a small number of seven foals.

Regarding Shahryar's retirement to Northern Horse Park, Mr. Yoshida commented, "We hope he finds a new possibility as a riding horse," and encouraged fans to "please come and visit him." Upon hearing this news, many warm messages poured in from fans, such as "Another horse I can go see," "Please take it easy," and "I hope he lives a long life," with some even planning trips to Hokkaido.

Meanwhile, attention is also focused on the recent activities of Shunsuke Yoshida himself. It was reported that the Sunday Racing representative recently acquired an owner's license from the Hong Kong Jockey Club (limited to running horses that have already raced). This will allow him to race his owned horses in Hong Kong as early as this autumn, further increasing his influence not only in the Japanese racing world but also on the international racing scene.

Furthermore, Mr. Yoshida also appeared on Green Channel's Select Sale 2025 special program, commenting on Northern Farm's consigned horses, continuing to play a crucial role at the forefront of Japanese horse breeding and training. While Shahryar's retirement as a pensioner is unfortunate news, it offers fans an opportunity to interact with the great horse once again, and warm wishes are being extended for his remaining years.

The context

The Japan Derby (日本ダービー) is one of the most prestigious races in Japan, often referred to as the "Festival of Horse Racing" and is a key leg of the Japanese Triple Crown, akin to the Epsom Derby in the UK or the Kentucky Derby in the US. The Dubai Sheema Classic is an international Group 1 race held annually at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, attracting top-class turf horses from around the world. Northern Horse Park (ノーザンホースパーク) is a popular horse-themed park and leisure facility in Hokkaido, Japan, known for housing retired racehorses and offering equestrian activities. Sunday Racing (サンデーレーシング) is one of Japan's leading thoroughbred racing syndicates, while Shadai Stallion Station (社台スタリオンステーション) is a dominant force in the Japanese breeding industry, standing many of the country's top stallions. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is the governing body for horse racing in Hong Kong, known for its high-level, competitive racing. The Select Sale is Japan's premier thoroughbred yearling and breeding stock auction. Green Channel is a satellite television channel in Japan dedicated to horse racing.