Star Racehorse Danon Beluga Retires, to Become a Riding Horse at Tokyo Racecourse

It has recently been announced that the celebrated racehorse Danon Beluga, winner of the 2022 Kyodo News Hai and a prominent contender in classic races, will be retiring from racing. He will begin his second career as a riding horse at Tokyo Racecourse, the hallowed ground of Japan's central horse racing.

Danon Beluga's talent was recognized early on; at three years old, he won the Kyodo News Hai undefeated in his second start, and was subsequently made the top favorite in both the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) and the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby). In particular, he garnered significant attention in the Derby as one of the leading horses of his generation, fiercely competing against rivals like Equinox and Do Deuce, often dubbed the 'strongest generation.' He also demonstrated his capabilities on the international stage, securing second and third-place finishes in the Dubai Turf.

However, many fans have expressed regret and a sense of 'what if,' lamenting that he never quite managed to clinch a major victory despite his immense talent. Comments such as 'He had the makings of a G1 winner' and 'He was truly a strong horse' are common. On social media, some speculated that factors preventing his G1 triumph might have included lingering concerns about his right hindquarters (tomo) from an injury sustained before his debut, and his distance suitability (with 1800m seen as his best, 2000m slightly too long, and 1600m lacking a decisive finishing kick).

Furthermore, while many fans had hoped he would become a stallion, there's a mix of surprise and sadness regarding his retirement to a life as a riding horse. Nevertheless, warm comments expressing concern for his future also stand out, such as 'I'm glad he retired safely' and 'If he's at Tokyo Racecourse, I can go visit him.' Some even expressed gratitude, saying 'I wouldn't have watched horse racing so much if it weren't for Danon Beluga,' indicating how widely loved he was.

Danon Beluga's last race was the recent Japan Cup. While his magnificent figure will no longer grace the turf, he will now undertake a new role at Tokyo Racecourse. Fans wish him peaceful days in his new environment.

The context

Danon Beluga: A prominent Japanese racehorse (born in 2019) known for his strong performances in major races, especially as a three-year-old, though he never won a Group 1 (G1) race. His pedigree includes Deep Impact (sire) and his dam is Holy Shute.

Kyodo News Hai (共同通信杯): A Group 3 (G3) race for three-year-olds held in February, often serving as a key preparatory race for the Japanese Triple Crown.

Classic Races (クラシック戦線): A series of prestigious races in Japan for three-year-old horses, equivalent to the Triple Crown in other countries. The article mentions the Satsuki Sho (皐月賞), also known as the Japanese 2000 Guineas, and the Tokyo Yushun (東京優駿), more commonly known as the Japanese Derby, which are two legs of this series.

Tokyo Racecourse (東京競馬場): One of the largest and most prestigious racecourses in Japan, located in Fuchu, Tokyo. It hosts several major G1 races, including the Japanese Derby and the Japan Cup, and is often revered as the 'holy ground' of Japanese horse racing.

Equinox and Do Deuce: Highly successful racehorses from the same generation as Danon Beluga. Equinox, in particular, is considered one of the greatest racehorses of all time, winning numerous G1 races globally. Their presence in the same generation made for exceptionally competitive races, leading to their cohort being dubbed the 'strongest generation.'

G1 (Group 1): The highest level of horse racing, representing the most prestigious races with the largest prize money.

Stallion vs. Riding Horse: After retiring from racing, successful male racehorses often become stallions (種牡馬) for breeding, which can be a highly lucrative second career. If a horse does not become a stallion, they may become a riding horse (乗馬) for pleasure riding, equestrian sports, or simply live out their days at a stud farm. Becoming a riding horse is generally seen as a less financially impactful but still honorable post-racing career.

Right hindquarters (右トモ): In horse anatomy, 'tomo' refers to the hindquarters. Injuries or weaknesses in this area can significantly impact a racehorse's performance, especially their ability to accelerate and maintain speed, which can be a common concern for racehorses throughout their careers.