Beloved Racehorse London Plan Dies Suddenly at Hanshin Racecourse, Shocking Fans

Racehorse London Plan, winner of the 2022 Kokura 2-year-old Stakes, tragically passed away after suffering acute heart failure during the Yonegojo Stakes (Turf 1600m) held at Hanshin Racecourse on the 15th. The Japan Racing Association (JRA) announced the news. Jockey Takuma Ogino, who was riding, was unharmed.

London Plan ceased racing during the final straight of the race. He was subsequently diagnosed with acute heart failure, and his life could not be saved. Following this tragic news, an outpouring of grief and condolences from numerous fans flooded social media.

London Plan left a vivid impression by winning the 2022 Kokura 2-year-old Stakes despite a significant delay at the start, making an astonishing late surge from the far outside to overtake all competitors. His distinctive racing style captured the hearts of many horse racing fans, who eagerly anticipated seeing 'that incredible closing speed' again. Furthermore, he was affectionately known as 'the man who puts straw on the upper window' due to his unique habit of placing straw above his stable window, endearing him as a beloved character.

On social media, posts expressing shock and sorrow over the sudden passing have been abundant, with comments like 'London Plan, I always cheered for you,' 'I'm so sad, I can't believe it,' 'I thought he was safe,' and 'I'll never forget his closing speed at the Kokura 2-year-old Stakes.' Messages praying for the peaceful repose of London Plan, who departed at such a young age, and offering 'Rest in peace' and 'Thank you for your hard work' are flooding in.

The sudden death of London Plan, beloved by many fans, has brought great sadness to the horse racing world.

The context

For non-Japanese readers, here is some background information to help understand the article:

• JRA (Japan Racing Association): This is the organization that manages and operates horse racing in Japan. It is the official body for thoroughbred racing.
• Hanshin Racecourse: Located near Osaka, it is one of the premier racecourses in Japan, hosting many Grade 1 races.
• Kokura 2-year-old Stakes: A significant race for two-year-old horses held at Kokura Racecourse. Winning such a race often marks a horse as a promising talent for future major competitions.
• Acute Heart Failure: This is a serious and often sudden medical condition that can affect athletes, including racehorses, during intense exertion. It's a leading cause of sudden death in high-performance equine athletes.
• 'Incredible Closing Speed' (末脚 - Sueashi): This term refers to a horse's powerful final burst of speed in the last stages of a race. London Plan's victory from a poor start, where he came from far behind to win, made his 'sueashi' particularly memorable and exciting for fans.
• 'The Man Who Puts Straw on the Upper Window' (上の窓のところに藁置くマン): This unique nickname highlights a quirky habit of the horse. While it doesn't carry deep cultural significance, it illustrates how Japanese horse racing fans often connect with horses on a personal level, cherishing their individual personalities and eccentricities, which builds a strong bond and adds to their appeal beyond just their racing performance.