Beloved Racehorse Danburite Passes Away at 12, Saddening Fans Across Japan

Racehorse Danburite, who won two GII races during his active career, including the American Jockey Club Cup in 2018 and the Kyoto Kinen in 2019, and placed third in the 2017 Satsuki Sho, tragically passed away at the age of 12 on February 21 due to an intestinal torsion. His premature death, after a successful second career as a riding horse and being loved by many fans, has led to an outpouring of grief and condolences on social media.

Danburite's death was announced by "Old Friends Japan," a facility for retired racehorses, on February 23. They reported that despite their best efforts in the limited time available, recovery was not possible, and he was peacefully laid to rest. In response to this sudden news, numerous messages expressing shock and sorrow, such as "He was still so young" and "Too soon," have been posted.

During his racing career, Danburite competed 38 times, securing 5 victories. His strong performance in the Satsuki Sho and his GII wins are deeply etched in the memories of many horse racing fans. Notably, at the 2018 Tenno Sho (Autumn), an unusual incident occurred where jockey Keita Tosaki fell off before the start, leading to Danburite being withdrawn from the race – an event long discussed among fans. He also achieved success with jockeys Christophe Lemaire and Fuma Matsuwaka, and his determined spirit captivated many.

After retiring from racing, Danburite embarked on a second career as a riding horse. He participated in last year's Retired Racehorse Cup (RRC) Shiga tournament and the finals, where his vibrant presence delighted many stakeholders and fans. He also contributed to the revitalization of the horse racing world even after retirement, interacting with fans at events held at the Equestrian Park.

On social media, alongside messages reflecting on his achievements, there is an abundance of gratitude and prayers for his peaceful repose, such as "Thank you, goodbye Danburite" and "Rest in peace in heaven." Fans have also shared numerous posts recounting their memories of him, saying things like "I was so happy to see him in good spirits at last year's RRC" and "Interacting with him at the Equestrian Park is a lifelong memory," illustrating how deeply loved his 'horse-sonality' was.

Though it was a sudden farewell, Danburite's brilliant achievements and the inspiration he provided to so many will never fade. We wish him endless gallops in heaven and offer our heartfelt condolences.

The context

For non-Japanese readers, understanding certain aspects of Japanese horse racing is helpful. The Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas), American Jockey Club Cup, and Kyoto Kinen are prominent races. The Satsuki Sho is one of the three classic races for three-year-old colts, highly prestigious. GII (Grade II) refers to a classification of stakes races, indicating a significant level of competition below Grade I (GI), the highest tier. The Tenno Sho (Autumn) is a GI race, one of Japan's most important races for middle-distance runners.

Jockeys like Keita Tosaki, Christophe Lemaire, and Fuma Matsuwaka are among the top riders in Japan, with Lemaire being a particularly renowned international jockey who often rides top horses. The incident where Danburite unseated his jockey before the Tenno Sho (Autumn) was highly unusual and memorable for fans, showcasing his spirited nature.

The Retired Racehorse Cup (RRC) is an important event in Japan dedicated to promoting the second careers of retired racehorses, allowing them to compete in disciplines like show jumping and dressage. It helps extend the horses' lives beyond racing and provides a way for fans to continue interacting with beloved former champions, such as Danburite's appearances at the Equestrian Park, a public facility.