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| Staff Writer |
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Lemon Pop is proving unstoppable on the dirt after being named Japan's champion dirt performer for the second consecutive year at Tuesday's JRA Awards ceremony in Tokyo.
The multiple Group One winner, trained by Hiroyasu Tanaka, has been retired to Darley Japan after a glittering career that saw him land 13 victories from 18 starts.
The son of Lemon Drop Kid created history in 2023 by becoming only the fourth horse to complete the prestigious Gr.1 February Stakes and Gr.1 Champions Cup double on the JRA circuit.
His final campaign proved equally impressive, securing both the Gr.1 Sakitama Hai and Gr.1 Mile Championship Nambu Hai on the NAR circuit before signing off with a memorable defence of his Champions Cup crown in December.
Harry Sweeney, Godolphin's President in Japan, speaking after the ceremony, said: "We are thrilled that Lemon Pop has again been crowned Champion Dirt Horse. Indeed, it is a fitting end to a most exceptional racing career.
"He has been the most consistent dirt horse ever in the history of Japanese racing. His last six races in Japan, spanning 2023 and 2024, have all been G1 races and he won each and every one. What a horse!"
The champion's stud fee has been set at US$34,000, the highest for any dirt stallion starting stud duties in Japan, with his first book already proving highly sought after.
"He is proving extremely popular and we received 175 applications within a few hours of announcing his fee. We are really looking forward to his first foals," added Sweeney.