Kikuka Sho Winner Enerujiko Diagnosed with Bowed Tendon, Faces Long Layoff of Over 9 Months

Enerujiko, who secured a dominant victory in the recent Kikuka Sho, has been diagnosed with superficial digital flexor tendonitis (bowed tendon) in his left foreleg, necessitating a long layoff of over nine months. This sudden announcement has been met with cries of dismay and disappointment from fans.

According to information released by Silk Horse Club, Enerujiko has developed superficial digital flexor tendonitis in his left foreleg, and his return to racing is expected to take a considerable amount of time. The injury of a key horse immediately after winning a G1 race has come as a major shock to many horse racing fans.

On social media, heart-wrenching comments such as "Too disappointing," "I was so looking forward to his future," and "My heart is broken" have poured in. Conversely, many comments express hope for a long-term recovery, with messages like "Take your time to recover and win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe" and "Heal completely and come back safely."

Furthermore, in light of this injury, concerns are being raised about the leg fragility of progeny sired by Duramente. Recent injuries to prominent Duramente offspring, such as Liberty Island, Great Magician, and Sugarkun, who also recently developed superficial digital flexor tendonitis, are fresh in memory. This has led to widespread concerns about genetic predisposition, with comments like "Is it Duramente's bloodline?" and "Does he have glass legs?" In the past, Agnus Tachyon was also forced into early retirement due to a bowed tendon, and many fans fear a similar fate.

A diagnosis period of over nine months effectively means missing the entire first half of the next racing season. Consequently, discussions are emerging regarding his future racing career and his potential as a stallion, given that he is from Duramente's final crop. Comments include "Is there a possibility of retirement?" and "Winning only the Kikuka Sho might not be enough for a successful stud career, but..."

This year, multiple similar injuries have been reported, including Philostefani, winner of the Artemis Stakes, who also suffered superficial digital flexor tendonitis. This has prompted remarks such as "Are too many horses getting bowed tendons this year?" Many fans eagerly await Enerujiko's speedy recovery and his return to the racetrack.

The Context

To provide a better understanding for non-Japanese readers:

• Kikuka Sho: The Kikuka Sho is a prestigious Japanese Grade 1 horse race, often referred to as the Japanese St. Leger. It is the final leg of the Japanese Triple Crown for three-year-old colts and geldings, run over 3000 meters (approximately 1 mile 7 furlongs) on turf. A win here is highly celebrated and significantly boosts a horse's value, both for racing and future stud potential.

• Duramente: Duramente was a prominent Japanese racehorse who won two legs of the Japanese Triple Crown (Satsuki Sho and Tokyo Yushun) in 2015. He became a successful sire, but his progeny, while often possessing great talent, have also gained a reputation for being prone to leg injuries, particularly tendon issues. Enerujiko belongs to Duramente's final generation, which adds to the concern about his potential stud career if his racing career is cut short.

• Bowed Tendon (Superficial Digital Flexor Tendonitis): This is a serious and common injury for racehorses, involving inflammation and damage to the superficial digital flexor tendon in the leg. It often requires a long period of rest and rehabilitation, typically many months, and horses may never fully recover their previous form. The long recovery time significantly impacts a horse's racing career and value, making it one of the most feared diagnoses in the sport.