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| Staff Writer |
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Lemon Pop emerged victorious and claimed the esteemed title of Best Dirt Horse, as the winners of the 2023 Japan Racing Association Awards were unveiled.
In an exceptional performance, the entire bred in the US achieved a rare feat by winning both Gr.1 dirt races on the JRA in a single season. It was a commanding display by the horse in the February Stakes and Champions Cup, making it only the fourth horse to do so. Lemon Pop's most striking victory in 2023 was seen in the Gr.1 Mile Championship Nambu Hai on the NAR circuit, where the winning margin was officially recorded as "a distance," making it a remarkable achievement.
Harry Sweeney, President of Godolphin in Japan, said, “We are absolutely thrilled that Lemon Pop has been crowned Champion Dirt Horse. He has been an exceptionally consistent horse in Japan over a number of seasons and indeed has won 10 of his 13 career starts here and been second in the other three. While racing fans are very aware that Lemon Pop aced all the JRA Group 1 dirt races in 2023, being able to call him Champion is a more apt and succinct description.
“Lemon Pop has been a breakout horse for his young trainer Hiroyasu Tanaka and his jockey, Ryusei Sakai, deserves special credit after stepping into the breach for his last three races.
“A pleasing aspect of Lemon Pop’s achievements is that it has truly been a team effort. Lemon Pop arrived in Japan as a weanling and was part-reared in our breeding farm. He was subsequently broken and pre-trained in our operations in Castle Park and Midway with assistance from our veterinary and farrier teams. Indeed, it is only our stallion and nominations teams that have not been involved yet, but their time is coming.
“Lemon Pop was purchased as a foal for just US$70,000 and his career earnings are already close to US$4,000,000. It is somewhat Cinderella-esque. Interestingly, Lemon Pop was bred by Olly Tait, who in a previous incarnation was a director of the Godolphin Japan operations, which adds a very pleasing symmetry to the story.
“Lemon Pop remains in training in 2024 and the Saudi Cup in February is an early year target followed by a possible trip to Dubai.”