Meisho Tabaru cemented his place among the modern greats of the Takarazuka Kinen by successfully defending his crown in Sunday’s Grade 1 feature, becoming just the third horse to win the race in consecutive years. The five-year-old son of Gold Ship joined elite company alongside his sire, who achieved the feat in 2013 and 2014, and Chrono Genesis, who followed suit in 2020 and 2021.

Starting as the second favorite, Meisho Tabaru arrived at Hanshin off a solid runner-up finish behind Croix du Nord in the Osaka Hai in April. His previous campaign had included a respectable sixth in the Tenno Sho (Autumn), beaten just 0.2 seconds, before a disappointing effort in the Arima Kinen. On Sunday, however, he returned to the race that has become his signature event.

A Tactical Ride In Testing Conditions

Weather played a significant role in the build-up, with a sudden downpour shortly before the start changing the track from good to firm to yielding. Despite the altered conditions, the field of 18 broke cleanly, with Cosmo Kuranda pressing forward to lead.

Breaking from an outside gate, Meisho Tabaru settled comfortably in second under Yutaka Take. Positioned just behind the pace throughout, he tracked the leader before moving alongside approaching the 200-meter mark. Once in front, he dug deep under pressure and held off the late challenge of race favorite Croix du Nord to score by a neck.

For trainer Mamoru Ishibashi, the victory provided a second JRA Grade 1 success. It also added another chapter to the remarkable career of Take, who claimed the 86th Grade 1 victory of his career and his sixth Takarazuka Kinen.

The veteran rider's previous wins in the race came aboard Inari One (1989), Mejiro McQueen (1993), Marvelous Sunday (1997), Deep Impact (2006) and Meisho Tabaru last year. At 57 years, three months and one day, he also extended his own record as the oldest jockey to win a Grade 1 race in Japan.

Reflecting on the conditions and the performance, Take offered a telling assessment of both the race and the horse's readiness.

“When it started raining just before the race, I felt as though the late owner Yoshio Matsumoto had sent it down from heaven. Since races are unpredictable, I stayed flexible and settled in second position, and we were able to race in good rhythm. When Croix du Nord closed in before the wire, I thought, ‘Please, not this time!’ I felt that Meisho Tabaru was in really good form and the strongest today. I think we can head to France with our heads held high.”

The final comment was particularly significant, suggesting confidence in the horse's prospects should an international campaign be pursued.

Croix du Nord Falls Narrowly Short

Race favorite Croix du Nord produced another high-class performance in defeat. The Kitasan Black colt enjoyed an economical trip along the rail, racing around fifth before launching his challenge at the top of the straight.

Much like his victory over Meisho Tabaru in the Osaka Hai, he attempted to wear down his rival late. This time, however, the finishing line arrived just too soon, with the four-year-old forced to settle for second after reducing the margin to a neck.

Danon Decile Finishes Strongly For Third

Drawn in stall one, Danon Decile was ridden patiently near the rear of the field and remained well back entering the final turn. The two-time Grade 1 winner improved along the inside before switching out into clear running in the straight.

Producing the fastest closing section of the race, he made significant late ground on the leading pair. While unable to bridge the gap completely, he denied the brave front-running Cosmo Kuranda in the closing strides to secure third place.

For Meisho Tabaru, the victory not only confirmed his affinity for the Takarazuka Kinen but also strengthened his standing among Japan’s leading middle-distance performers. With another Grade 1 added to his record and international ambitions now openly discussed, attention will quickly turn to what comes next.