2018 Satsuki Sho Winner Epoca d'Oro Retires from Stud, Moves to Yogibo Versailles Resort Farm

It has been announced that Epoca d'Oro (9-year-old colt), the winner of the 2018 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas), will be leaving Arrow Stud around January 20th to live out his retirement as a pensioned horse at Yogibo Versailles Resort Farm in Hokkaido.

Upon receiving this news, many comments flooded social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressing sadness. Fans wrote, "Is Epoca d'Oro retiring so soon after we were just discussing if he was okay in a space?" and "It's sad to see him retire from stud." Some also touched upon the limited success of his first-crop progeny, lamenting, "It's a tough world" and "I wanted to see him achieve more as a stallion."

On the other hand, there were many relieved comments regarding his new destination, including "Glad his next home is decided," "Wishing him happiness in his third life," and "The happiest thing is if he stays healthy." Notably, Yogibo Versailles Resort Farm is also home to other popular pensioned horses like Transcend, who excelled in inter-regional graded races, and Lani, who won the Dubai Turf. This led many fans to rejoice at the prospect of old friends reuniting, saying things like "Lani, Transcend, and Epoca d'Oro all at once!" and "It's a wonderful story that he'll be with his friend Lani."

Fans also began making plans to visit Epoca d'Oro in his new life, with comments such as "Epoca d'Oro at Versailles Resort Farm!? I absolutely have to go!!!!!!!! Next year's Hokkaido trip is confirmed!" He is expected to attract considerable attention as a pensioned horse.

Epoca d'Oro, sired by Orfevre, won the 2018 Satsuki Sho during his racing career and continued to compete in G1 races. As a stallion, while he produced successful progeny in regional horse racing, he did not sire any major winners in Central Racing, leading to the end of his stud career.

Watched over by many fans, Epoca d'Oro is expected to lead a peaceful retirement at Yogibo Versailles Resort Farm. We sincerely wish him great happiness in his "third life."

The Context

Epoca d'Oro is a significant figure in Japanese horse racing, having won the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) in 2018, which is the first leg of Japan's prestigious Triple Crown. His sire, Orfevre, is a legendary Triple Crown winner himself, making Epoca d'Oro's pedigree highly regarded.

In Japan, the term '功労馬' (kōrōba) refers to pensioned or retired racehorses, often those with notable careers, who are given a peaceful retirement. Facilities like Yogibo Versailles Resort Farm are dedicated to providing a home for these horses, allowing fans to visit and interact with their former idols. These farms often become tourist attractions, especially when popular horses reside there.

The distinction between 'Central Racing' (JRA - Japan Racing Association) and 'Regional Racing' (NAR - National Association of Racing) is also important. While JRA races are generally considered the pinnacle of Japanese horse racing with higher prize money and prestige, NAR encompasses racing held by local governments. Producing successful progeny in JRA is a key measure of a stallion's success, which Epoca d'Oro unfortunately could not achieve to a significant extent, leading to his retirement from stud duty.

The mention of Lani and Transcend, also residing at Yogibo Versailles Resort Farm, highlights the farm's reputation for hosting well-loved and famous retired horses. Lani gained international fame by competing in all three legs of the American Triple Crown and winning the Dubai Turf, while Transcend was a multiple graded stakes winner, particularly in dirt races.