IRL:Mihono Bourbon
| Main | Gallery | IRL | Game |
This page contains real life information that may spoil any story or events related to the character. Read at your own discretion! |
|
Mihono Bourbon was a Japanese racehorse that was active from 1991 to 1992. He was one of the pioneers of using slopes in training, and was nicknamed "The Cyborg" and "Chestnut Express" due to his consistent pace.
Name Origin
His crown name "Mihono" comes from his owner, Mihono International. "Bourbon" is taken from the Bourbon Dynasty in France, and not the alcoholic beverage.[2]
Racing career
Before Debut
Mihono Bourbon's grandmother, High Flame, produced Tosho Highness with Dandy Lute, with 5 wins in JRA and 20 in Kochi. When High Flame was sold to the breeder Keiji Haraguchi and his father Ryo at 13 years old, they contemplated covering High Flame again with Dandy Lute, but the stud fee was too expensive for a small family ran breeding farm. Ryo decided to cover High Flame with Chalet, who had the same father as Dandy Lute, Luthier.[3] Their child born in 1983 was named Katsumi Echo, and kept at the Haraguchi farm for breeding after 1 win in 12 starts in southern Kanto racing.
As sires from the Mill Reef line were making great results at the end of the 1980s, Keiji planned on covering Katsumi Echo with Mill George (who produced Inari One), but was unable to pay the stud fee of 1 million yen. He decided to use Magnitude as a replacement for his cheaper 500,000 yen. Racing writer Katsutoshi Takai commented on Mihono Bourbon's pedigree, saying that Magnitude was "barely first-rate" as a sire, and Chalet, "nobody would mind if he was called a third-rate".[4]
Mihono Bourbon was born on the 25th of April, 1989, as the first son of Katsumi Echo by Magnitude.
During birth, he was stuck from his waist width.[5] He was often alone in the farm and was calm in temperament, with an unremarkable constitution.[6] Trainer Tameo Toyama had left results with rigorous slope training. He had the theory that a first child would grow to withstand hard training easier, and as Mihono Bourbon had a big body born from Magnitude (who had a tendency to produce smaller horses), as well as him being previously involved with Tosho Highness, it was decided that Mihono Bourbon will train under Toyama.[4][6] While other stables ran the slope 3 times, Mihono Bourbon ran it 4 times. He was able to digest the high load training with his big appetite. His stable hand and training assistant Tsukasa Yasunaga says that Bourbon hated being approached while eating, and even as his stable hand, he would scare Bourbon if he approached him at those times.[4]
Two-year-old season (1991)
Mihono Bourbon ran the slope course with training assistant Yasunaga as pre-race preparation in August of 1991, while open-class 4+ year olds typically clocks 30+ seconds, Mihono Bourbon at just two years old clocked 29.9 seconds, and trainer Toyama was seen exclaiming from excitement. With this result, Mihono Bourbon was the overwhelming favorite at his debut, a 1000-meter maiden race in Nakayama Racecourse on September 7th. He would be ridden by jockey Sadahiro Kojima, who would be the only one to ride him throughout his career. As another horse refused to entered the gates and forced a long wait in the narrow starting gates, they were unable to get a clean start, and was blocked from both sides and unable take position in front. Turning into the straight, they chose to go on the outside, and took a convincing victory by 1 1/4 lengths. Marking his first victory, the finishing time of 58.1 seconds was also a course record for two year olds. [6] He was diagnosed with periostitis in his metacarpal bone[7], and returned to racing two months later in a below 5 million yen class race (Tokyo Turf 1600m), and won by 6 lengths for two consecutive wins.
Asahi Hai Sansai Stakes: 1600m
As the Hanshin Sansai Stakes (G1) were changed to the filly limited Hanshin Sansai Himba Stakes (G1)[Note 1] that year, promising two year old colts all converged into the Asahi Hai Sansai Stakes (G1)[Note 2] on the 8th of December. Mihono Bourbon was again the favorite, with Keisei Hai Sansai Stakes (G3) winner Yamanin Miracle, and Fuchu Sansai Stakes (OP) winner Matikanetannhauser following. Out of the gates, Mihono Bourbon ran parallel with the front-running horse. The short space between races might have caused Mihono Bourbon to be more eager, and jockey Kojima had a hard time settling into a rhythm. Turning into the straight, Mihono Bourbon in front was challenged by the fast closing Yamanin Miracle, and the two finished side by side. With just a nose between them, Mihono Bourbon had won his first G1 in a three win streak.[3] This was the first G1 victory for jockey Kojima as well as the first G1 victory for trainer Toyama since the graded system was introduced. Jockey Kojima commented, "he has great explosiveness, I look forward to what's to come for him". However, trainer Toyama thought that the 2,000-meter distance of the Satsuki Sho might be close to the limit for Mihono Bourbon. Toward jockey Kojima who tried to hold Bourbon back from the start, leading to a down-to-the-wire finish, Toyama scolded him as he thought if he just let the horse run on their own whim, it would have been an easy victory. After this point, Kojima did not hold back Bourbon's eagerness, and unapologetically raced with the front-running style. [3][6]
In voting at the JRA awards, Mihono Bourbon took 174 votes out of 176, crowning him Best Two-Year-Old Colt[Note 3] in 1991.[8]
Three-year-old season (1992)
Spring Stakes: 1800m
Turning into the new year, the team wanted to start Mihono Bourbon's season off at the Shinzan Kinen (G3), but scratched from a sprained left waist during slope training on the 8th of January. From the two trial races to the Satsuki Sho (G1), the Spring Stakes (G2) and the Nanohana Stakes (OP), the team chose the Spring Stakes, held on the 29th of March. 200 meters longer than the Asahi Hai, this would be a test for Mihono Bourbon, as though trainer Toyama said that Bourbon was in his best form since debut[9], he also announced that if Bourbon didn't perform the way he wanted, he would not race in the Satsuki Sho and instead focus on shorter distance races.[10] Even though Mihono Bourbon came into the Spring Stakes undefeated while winning the Asahi Hai, he was 2nd favorite on the day from worries about his distance aptitude. Out of the gates, jockey Kojima followed the instructions given after the Asahi Hai and lead the pack from the start. Running with high pace on the heavy turf coupled with Sakura Bakushin O in the 2nd position slowly losing speed, the pace chasers faced a tough race[Note 4]. However, the late closers, who had the time to conserve stamina, also made no moves to challenge Mihono Bourbon's lead, and they finished a convincing 7 lengths clear of 2nd place. Jockey Kojima commented, "he has matured in both mind and body". Trainer Toyama, "satisfied with the performance", enters Mihono Bourbon into the Satsuki Sho.[10]
Satsuki Sho: 2000m
Before the Satsuki Sho (G1) on the 19th of April, trainer Toyama once again said "the best" regarding Mihono Bourbon's condition. Perhaps the reservations about distance aptitude had subsided, Mihono Bourbon entered the Satsuki Sho as the overwhelming favorite. Once again taking the lead from the start, Mihono Bourbon would start drifting outwards on the 1st corner, but was reined in successfully. To calm the horse down, jockey Kojima blew a whistle in time with Bourbon's steps.[11] The fast pace of 59.8 seconds at 1000 meters wasn't in Mihono Bourbon's favor, but on the final corner, as Kojima checked behind himself nervously, the pack never came to far enough meet them.[9] They finished with 2 1/2 lengths to spare, in first from gate to wire. As they ran their victory lap, the audience chanted Kojima's name, and he raised his fist in celebration. It was his first classics victory in his 22 year long career at the time. In the post race interview, he said "I want to thank Mihono Bourbon for making me a real man" with tears of joy. [11]
Japanese Derby: 2400m
In preparation for the Japanese Derby (G1) on the 31st of May, which would be another 400m extension from the Satsuki Sho, trainer Toyama tried a 5-time slope climb set, but it was so taxing he decided to revert to the previous 4 climbs as a set. On the 15th, symptoms for periostitis emerged on Mihono Bourbon's right foreleg radius, and the team switched to pool training for two days for him to recover. The media alleged that Mihono Bourbon was in unstable condition on the 18th, but he returned to slope training on the 19th. He would run his 4 slope set well as the derby approached, and thus participate as planned. [12]
His opponents included ones in the Satsuki Sho, the winners of the Aoba Sho (OP) and the NHK Hai (G2)[Note 5], and 5 more sub 9 million yen racers. As none of them showed performances that was considered a threat to Bourbon, the consensus was that Bourbon would out run the field once again. Though jockey Kojima wanted an even numbered inside gate as it favored Bourbon's running style, but they drew an outside odd numbered gate, bracket 7 gate 15, which nobody before had won from.[13] Though still by far the favorite, his odds would settle at 2.3, reflecting the uncertainty in both distance and gate.
Again taking the lead from the start, Mihono Bourbon would break away 2-3 lengths from 2nd by the time they turned into the back stretch. Setting a 61.2s first 1000m on yielding turf, the pack crept up to him on the 3rd and 4th corner turning into the home straight,[14] but he accelerated again and there was no more catching him. He widened his lead on the climb, and finished 4 lengths ahead of the 16th favorite Rice Shower. With 6 starts and 6 wins, Mihono Bourbon was the 8th ever undefeated Derby winner and 5th ever undefeated double crown winner, following on Tokai Teio one year prior.
Jockey Kojima reflected that he was able to ride less tense than in the Satsuki Sho, and let Bourbon go on his own pace on the starting straight and slope. Trainer Toyama said, "I guess that just shows the difference in their abilities. With this, I want to think of the next (crown). If a stayer like Mejiro McQueen[Note 6] appears over the summer, who knows what will happen." [15] Mihono Bourbon would rest over the summer on Yoshida Farm in Hayakita, Hokkaido[6].
Kyoto Shimbun Hai: 2200m
Returning to Ritto Training Center in September, Mihono Bourbon started the Autumn season off in the Kyoto Shimbun Hai (G2) on the 18th of October. Despite only being a G2 race, people were seen lining up outside before the Kyoto Racecourse entrance, and over 70,000 entrants were recorded. Mihono Bourbon was again the overwhelming favorite at 1.2 odds, followed by Rice Shower and Kyoei Bowgun in 2nd and 3rd. As Bourbon did not seem totally calm, jockey Kojima reined him in more than usual during the warm up. Though they were watching out for Kyoei Bowgun, who was in a 4 winning streak also frontrunning, Mihono Bourbon was able to make a clean start and break to the front while Kyoei Bowgun late started. Staying in front over the back stretch, Rice Shower closed to one length behind on the downslope of the 3rd corner, but never closer over the 4th corner and final stretch as Mihono Bourbon again ran away with the victory with a time of 2:12.0 seconds, which is a record for all 2200 meter turf courses in the JRA. Kojima thought he would win with the response on the final corner, but he also noted that Bourbon did not extend further before the goal post despite him urging. [16]
Kikuka Sho: 3000m
The work for the Kikuka Sho (G1) for Mihono Bourbon on the 4th of November was 4 slope climbs. He set a new record for said slope on his 2nd set with 29.4 seconds and tied it on his 4th set. Trainer Toyama commented on Bourbon's condition with "it's so good I'm might get what comes around". As the previous year's double crown winner Tokai Teio was unable to race in the Kikuka Sho due to a fracture, Mihono Bourbon has further expectations on him achieving a triple crown as he was able to run. Even though he was doubted in the 1800 meters Spring Stakes before, he was entering the 3000 meter Kikuka Sho. Trainer Toyama was still unable to dispel the comments on Bourbon being a sprinter in nature, facing 90 reporters in a press conference to the question, "Mr. Toyama, (...) what is the meaning of sending a sprinter to a 3000 meter race?", he would answer:[17]
I do feel sorry for Bourbon. Bourbon surely doesn't want to race there. It is the humans who are involved in racing who put him up to the Kikuka Sho. We can go to Tenno Sho[Note 7] next year, but there's only one chance for the Kikuka Sho. The meaning of running him is just "human greed", I suppose.
- Trainer Tameo Toyama
On the day of the Kikuka Sho, 8th of November, with over 120,000 entrants at the Kyoto Racecourse, Mihono Bourbon was undoubtably the first favorite again with 1.5 odds. 11th favorite Kyoei Bowgun, who announced they would be running away, took the lead proactively out of the gates. Jockey Kojima decided that he shouldn't be involved in a fight for the position and stayed in 2nd, but as Bourbon rushed when there was a horse in front, Kojima had to hold him back from trying to overtake Kyoei Bowgun. Running with a rare high pace for the Kikuka Sho of 59.7s at 1000 meters, the field was stretched out over the back straight. Mihono Bourbon took the lead from the fading Kyoei Bowgun between the 3rd and final corners and held it into the final straight, but was overtaken by Rice Shower at the 100 meter mark. With no stamina left to give chase, Mihono Bourbon finished 1 and 1/4 lengths behind the winner Rice Shower, marking the first defeat in his career, and losing the third crown. [6]
Retirement and Death
After the Kikuka Sho, Mihono Bourbon was aimed at the Japan Cup (G1). However, he was diagnosed with lameness in his right hind leg, and was forced to pull out from both the Japan Cup and later the Arima Kinen.
The team still worked to return Mihono Bourbon to the track after he turned four, but on the 27th of January, 1993, he was diagnosed with periostitis in the same right hind leg. He was sent to pastures but fractured the same leg in April. With the death of trainer Toyama on the 27th of May, he was transferred under trainer Shigeki Matsumoto in September, and sent to the JRA Equine Research Institute's Racehorse Rehabilitation Center in October. [18]
In the end, Mihono Bourbon was unable to make a return to racing, and was officially retired on the 19th of January, 1994. His retirement ceremony was held on 6th of February, with Jockey Kojima riding him with his winning bib 15 at the Japanese Derby.
Mihono Bourbon was entered into stud duty after his retirement, but was unable to produce a JRA graded winner. He was retired from stud duty on the 1st of November, 2012 and spent the rest of his life in Smile Farm, a farm ran by the son-in-law of breeder Haraguchi.[19]
He passed away from old age on the 22nd of February, 2017.[20]
Assessment: "Fundamentally a Sprinter"?
Racing writer Koya Ezura commented that Mihono Bourbon was "middle distance type in pedigree", and "he puts on muscle easy but does not have the frame of a short distance horse". Trainer Toyama, regarding the doubts cast on Mihono Bourbon's distance aptitude, put forth the idea of "all thoroughbreds are sprinters". He would follow through on his belief, and in pursuit of speed, train Mihono Bourbon with an emphasis on fast times with sufficient rest. The horse's body had changed significantly from training, as to when breeder Haraguchi met him for the first time in one year and two months before the Asahi Hai, he noticed the lengthening of his body and change in his expression. Toyama had the following to say:[4]
Speed is undoubtably a talent. Mihono Bourbon was able to put up an under 30 second time before debut, that is really impressive. However, this horse was suffering from periostitis after debut, his bones were not strong, and his stamina doesn't keep up with his urge to go. To put it bluntly, he's a horse that is only fast. So instead of asking for the impossible, it is much better for the horse to play to his strengths. Luckily, Japanese racing, including the courses, are favored to sprinters. So even if the horse doesn't have enough stamina, he will still be able handle some distance.
- Trainer Tameo Toyama
Honors
- JRA Award for Best Two-Year-Old Colt (1991)
- JRA Award for Best Three-Year-Old Colt (1992)
- JRA Award for Horse of the Year (1992)
Race Records
| Date | Racecourse | Race | Grade | Distance | Gate | Odds | Fav. | Fin. | Time | Margin | Jockey | Winner (Runner-Up) | Other Umamusume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991/09/07 | Chukyo | Three-Year-Old Newcomer | Maiden | T 1000m | 3 | 1.4 | 1 | 1 | 0:58.1 | -0.2 | S.Kojima | (Hoei Seiko) | |
| 1991/11/23 | Tokyo | Three-Year-Old Pre-OP | Pre-OP | T 1600m | 9 | 1.5 | 1 | 1 | 1:35.1 | -1.0 | S.Kojima | (Kuri Try) | |
| 1991/12/08 | Nakayama | Asahi Hai Sansai Stakes | G1 | T 1600m | 4 | 1.5 | 1 | 1 | 1:34.5 | 0.0 | S.Kojima | (Yamanin Miracle) | Matikanetannhauser |
| 1992/03/29 | Nakayama | Spring Stakes | G2 | T 1800m | 1 | 4.5 | 2 | 1 | 1:50.1 | -1.2 | S.Kojima | (Mermaid Tavern) | Rice Shower, Matikanetannhauser, Sakura Bakushin O |
| 1992/04/19 | Nakayama | Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) | G1 | T 2000m | 4 | 1.4 | 1 | 1 | 2:01.4 | -0.4 | S.Kojima | (Narita Taisei) | Matikanetannhauser, Rice Shower |
| 1992/05/31 | Tokyo | Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) | G1 | T 2400m | 15 | 2.3 | 1 | 1 | 2:27.8 | -0.7 | S.Kojima | (Rice Shower) | Rice Shower, Matikanetannhauser |
| 1992/10/18 | Kyoto | Kyoto Shimbun Hai | G2 | T 2200m | 10 | 1.2 | 1 | 1 | 2:12.0 | -0.2 | S.Kojima | (Rice Shower) | Rice Shower |
| 1992/11/08 | Kyoto | Kikuka Sho (Japanese St.Leger) | G1 | T 3000m | 7 | 1.5 | 1 | 2 | 3:05.2 | 0.2 | S.Kojima | Rice Shower | Rice Shower, Matikanetannhauser |
Pedigree
| Sire Magnitude (IRE) |
Mill Reef (USA) | Never Bend (USA) | Nasrullah (GB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lalun (USA) | |||
| Milan Mill (USA) | Princequillo (IRE) | ||
| Virginia Water (USA) | |||
| Altesse Royale (IRE) | Saint Crespin (GB) | Aureole (GB) | |
| Neocracy (GB) | |||
| Bleu Azur (GB) | Crepello (GB) | ||
| Blue Prelude (GB) | |||
| Dam Katsumi Echo (JPN) |
Chalet (FR) | Luthier (FR) | Klairon (FR) |
| Flute Enchantee (FR) | |||
| Christiana (GB) | Double Jump (GB) | ||
| Mount Rosa (GB) | |||
| High Flame (JPN) | Your Highness (GB) | Chamossaire (GB) | |
| Lady Grand (GB) | |||
| Kami Yamato (JPN) | Rising Flame (IRE) | ||
| Corona (JPN), (Family: 11-c) |
Trivia
Katsumi Echo
Katsumi Echo failed to conceive two years in a row after giving birth to Mihono Bourbon. For the small, family run Haraguchi farm, this was a big loss of production, and Keiji made the decision to let her go, but as her father Chalet was not fancied nor did she leave great results on track, she was hard to sell to other farms, and was planned to be euthanized. However, Keiji's wife vehemently opposed this plan as Katsumi Echo was born on the farm, and delayed the plan for one year. Mihono Bourbon was then debuted and won a G1, saving her life and keeping her as a breeding mare in Haraguchi farm.
Notes
- ↑ Later Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (G1)
- ↑ Later Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (G1)
- ↑ Then Three-Year-Old, as the pre 2000 age counting standard in Japan counts horses as born 1 year old.
- ↑ Faster pace generally leads to a harder race for the front half of the pack, as they expend more energy in keeping up.
- ↑ Now defunct and functionally replaced by the NHK Mile Cup (G1)
- ↑ Who emerged over the summer in races in Hakodate Racecourse, and won the 1990 Kikuka Sho.
- ↑ Likely referring to the 2000 meter Tenno Sho Autumn, which is held in a similar time to the Kikuka Sho and open to 3-year-olds and above.
References
- ↑ JRA official
- ↑ https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-%E5%84%AA%E9%A7%BF1992-6-132133-17
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-%E5%84%AA%E9%A7%BF1992-2-146149-12
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-%E5%84%AA%E9%A7%BF1992-3-913-11
- ↑ https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-%E5%84%AA%E9%A7%BF1991-1-1011-15
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-%E5%84%AA%E9%A7%BF2013-3-7580-16
- ↑ https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-22
- ↑ https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-1991%E5%B9%B4JRA%E8%B3%9E-4
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-%E5%84%AA%E9%A7%BF1992-6-132133-17
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-%E5%84%AA%E9%A7%BF1992-5-158-32
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-%E5%84%AA%E9%A7%BF1992-6-3839-36
- ↑ https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-%E5%84%AA%E9%A7%BF1992-7-2021-38
- ↑ https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-41
- ↑ https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-%E5%84%AA%E9%A7%BF1992-7-1011-42
- ↑ https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-%E5%84%AA%E9%A7%BF1992-7-154155-44
- ↑ https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-%E5%84%AA%E9%A7%BF1992-12-142143-47
- ↑ https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-%E5%84%AA%E9%A7%BF1992-12-1214-48
- ↑ https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-%E5%90%8D%E9%A6%AC2-205-5
- ↑ https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-%E5%84%AA%E9%A7%BF2013-4-155-53
- ↑ https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%9B%E3%83%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%9C%E3%83%B3#cite_note-55
