- “Younger brother is okay!
For the first time in ten years! The fifth Triple Crown winner ever! Narita Brian!” - ―1994 Kikuka Sho, by Kiyoshi Sugimoto (Kansai TV)[1]
Narita Brian[2] was a Japanese racehorse. He was well known as the fifth Triple Crown winner, and nicknamed "The Shadow Roll Monster" due to wearing a shadow roll on his nose.
A shadow roll is a pillow-like cover worn across the bridge of a horse's nose to prevent them from seeing their shadow. Brian was a particular timid horse from a young age that was afraid of his own shadow, and so he wore a shadow roll while racing. In later years, he overcame his fear, but his team decided to have him keep wearing it, as it had become an iconic element of his appearance that made him recognizable to his fans.
Early Years[]
Narita Brian was foaled on May 3, 1991, at Hayata Ranch in Hokkaido, Japan. His sire was Brian's Time and his dam was Pacifius, the daughter of Northern Dancer[3]. He was often described as timid and cautious. The farm thought he wouldn't be a promising racehorse at first, but workers at the ranch noticed his strength. The manager, Miyoshi Kiura, said that Narita Brian was stronger than Biwa Hayahide and had strong potential for agility and strength.
Soon after, Narita Brian was bought by Hidenori Yamaji, who bought him via a yard deal. After purchase, Yamaji made the decision that he would be trained for racing by Masahiro Okubo.
Racing Career[]
Narita Brian made his racing debut on August 15, 1993 at Hadotake Racecourse when he was 3 years old[4]. Although winning 2nd place on his debut, he returned on August 29th, 1993, and won 1st place.
He would go on to win more OP races for the remainder of 1993, such as the Kimmokusei Tokubetsu and Kyoto Sansai Stakes.
On December 12, 1993, Narita Brian won the 1993 Asahi Hai Sansai Stakes, making it his first G1 win in his career. After winning, he would win 8 graded races in the following year, most notably the 1994 Satsuki Sho, the 1994 Japanese Derby, the 1994 Kikuka Sho, and the 1994 Arima Kinen. In all of his 1994 races, he was voted the favorite and earned the 1994 JRA Horse of the Year title. During 1994, fans anticipated and wanted to see Narita Brian go against his half-brother, Biwa Hayahide. However, he had already retired at the 1994 Tenno Sho Autumn.
On March 12, 1995, Narita Brian won 1st place in the Hanshin Daishoten. However, soon after, Narita Brian was diagnosed with coxitis, a condition that affects the hip joint of horses. Due to this limitation, his appearances at the 1995 Tenno Sho Spring and 1995 Takarazuka Kinen were cancelled. He however raced a few months later in the 1995 Tenno Sho Autumn in 12th place, the 1995 Japan Cup in 6th place, and the 1995 Arima Kinen in 2nd place, losing to Mayano Top Gun, his rival. Because of his injuries, Narita Brian never placed in these three races
In 1996, Narita Brian made a recovery and was entered in the 1996 Hanshin Daishoten against the then horse of the year, Mayano Top Gun, where he won 1st place. Soon after, he participated in the 1996 Tenno Sho Spring in 2nd place, and participating in the 1996 Takarazuka Kinen in 4th place for his final race o! May 19. Soon after, Narita Brian had his retirement ceremony and was transfered to a farm in Hokkaido, Japan.
Post-Retirement[]
After his retirement, Narita Brian was put as a breeding stallion and had 147 offspring, his most notable offspring being Daitaku Flag. However, none of his offspring won graded races.
Death and Legacy[]
On June 17, 1998, Narita Brian was diagnosed with colic, a condition in horses that affects gastrointestinal movement. It was soon discovered after the diagnosis that he had a bowel obstruction. Emergency surgery was soon preformed, however, Narita Brian developed colic again when presumed cured. He soon had a gastric rupture and was transfered into surgery, but it had already been too late. The staff made the difficult decision to euthanize Narita Brian on September 27, 1998, at just 7 years old. His stable was soon retired in his honor.
One year later, a statue was dedicated to him in Ritto Training Center due to his strong influence, He also had a museum called the "Narita Brian Memorial Hall", though it closed in 2008 and is now called the Yushun Memorial Hall, primarily focused on Oguri Cap.
In October 2004, Kyoto Racecourse implemented the Narita Brian Memorial as a part of a campaign held by the JRA.
Notes[]
References[]
- ↑ Kansai TV Official (YouTube)
- ↑ Narita Brian (Wikipedia)
- ↑ Pedigree (Pedigree Query)
- ↑ Race Record (Netkeiba)