IRL:Narita Top Road - Revision history

Suirob2005: /* Racing career */

2026-06-04T02:29:28Z

Racing career

Manikin at 20:23, 26 May 2026

2026-05-26T20:23:52Z

Show changes

QneThe at 00:01, 2 April 2026

2026-04-02T00:01:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:01, 2 April 2026
Line 111:		Line 111:

	==== Tenno Sho (Autumn): Renewing Hope ====		==== Tenno Sho (Autumn): Renewing Hope ====
	Tokyo Racecourse has gone into remodeling, and the autumn senior triple crown will all be held on the Nakayama Racecourse. Drawing the inside gate, with damp ground announced as firm, Narita Top Road was unable to break well and had started the race at the back of the pack. Moving up just slightly throughout the race, there was no choice but to turn wide again onto the dreaded Nakayama straight. However, it was different this time. While the three year old [[IRL:Symboli Kris S\|Symboli Kris S]] pulled clear of the pack, Narita Top Road fought his way up the hill and digs in. Stride by stride he closes the gap, though it was not enough to catch 1st by 3/4 lengths, he had finished 2nd with the fastest last three furlongs out of all horses in the race.		Tokyo Racecourse has gone into remodeling, and the autumn senior triple crown will all be held on the Nakayama Racecourse. Drawing the inside gate, with damp ground announced as firm, Narita Top Road was unable to break well and had started the race at the back of the pack. Moving up just slightly throughout the race, there was no choice but to turn wide again onto the dreaded Nakayama straight. However, it was different this time. While the three year old [[IRL:Symboli Kris S\|Symboli Kris S]] pulled clear of the pack, Narita Top Road fought his way up the hill and digs in. Stride by stride, he closes the gap, though it was not enough to catch 1st, by 3/4 lengths, he had finished 2nd with the fastest last three furlongs out of all horses in the race.

	==== Japan Cup: If Only ====		==== Japan Cup: If Only ====

QneThe at 00:00, 2 April 2026

2026-04-02T00:00:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:00, 2 April 2026
Line 111:		Line 111:

	==== Tenno Sho (Autumn): Renewing Hope ====		==== Tenno Sho (Autumn): Renewing Hope ====
	Tokyo Racecourse has gone into remodeling, and the autumn senior triple crown will all be held on the Nakayama Racecourse. Drawing the inside gate, with ~~good~~ ground announced as firm, Narita Top Road was unable to break well and had started the race at the back of the pack. Moving up just slightly throughout the race, there was no choice but to turn wide again onto the dreaded Nakayama straight. However, it was different this time. While the three year old [[IRL:Symboli Kris S\|Symboli Kris S]] pulled clear of the pack, Narita Top Road fought his way up the hill and digs in. Stride by stride he closes the gap, though it was not enough to catch 1st by 3/4 lengths, he had finished 2nd with the fastest last three furlongs out of all horses in the race.		Tokyo Racecourse has gone into remodeling, and the autumn senior triple crown will all be held on the Nakayama Racecourse. Drawing the inside gate, with damp ground announced as firm, Narita Top Road was unable to break well and had started the race at the back of the pack. Moving up just slightly throughout the race, there was no choice but to turn wide again onto the dreaded Nakayama straight. However, it was different this time. While the three year old [[IRL:Symboli Kris S\|Symboli Kris S]] pulled clear of the pack, Narita Top Road fought his way up the hill and digs in. Stride by stride he closes the gap, though it was not enough to catch 1st by 3/4 lengths, he had finished 2nd with the fastest last three furlongs out of all horses in the race.

	==== Japan Cup: If Only ====		==== Japan Cup: If Only ====

QneThe: finished

2026-04-01T23:53:48Z

finished

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:53, 1 April 2026
Line 19:		Line 19:
	\|races=Kikuka Sho (1999)<br>Hanshin Daishoten (2001, 2002)		\|races=Kikuka Sho (1999)<br>Hanshin Daishoten (2001, 2002)
	\|float: right; margin: 10px;		\|float: right; margin: 10px;

	}}		}}
	{{IRL_Horse_Quote		{{IRL_Horse_Quote
Line 29:		Line 30:
	\|ref=JRA Hero's Biography 53		\|ref=JRA Hero's Biography 53
	}}		}}

	'''{{PAGENAME}}''' was a Japanese racehorse that was active from 1998 to 2002. As a fan favorite horse, he shared the 1999 classic crowns with [[IRL:T.M. Opera O\|T.M. Opera O]] and [[IRL:Admire Vega\|Admire Vega]] with a win at the Kikuka Sho.		'''{{PAGENAME}}''' was a Japanese racehorse that was active from 1998 to 2002. As a fan favorite horse, he shared the 1999 classic crowns with [[IRL:T.M. Opera O\|T.M. Opera O]] and [[IRL:Admire Vega\|Admire Vega]] with a win at the Kikuka Sho.
	~~[[Category:Incomplete Horse Page]] <!--Remove this when all information is filled out!-->~~

	== Name Origin ==		== Name Origin ==
Line 38:		Line 39:

	=== Before Debut and the Two Year Old Season (1998) ===		=== Before Debut and the Two Year Old Season (1998) ===
	Owner Yamaji called trainer Yoshio Oki to the farm to pick foal with a stayer build, which would become Narita Top Road<ref name=":0">https://dic.pixiv.net/a/%E3%83%8A%E3%83%AA%E3%82%BF%E3%83%88%E3%83%83%E3%83%97%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89</ref>. His jockey would be Kunihiko Watanabe, a young jockey with just five years of experience.		Owner Yamaji called trainer Yoshio Oki to the farm to pick foal with a stayer build, which would become Narita Top Road<ref name=":0">https://dic.pixiv.net/a/%E3%83%8A%E3%83%AA%E3%82%BF%E3%83%88%E3%83%83%E3%83%97%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89 (Pixiv Wiki itself needs citations, but it is used here in places without other sources)</ref>. His jockey would be Kunihiko Watanabe, a young jockey with just five years of experience.

	Narita Top Road debuted on the 5th of December, 1998. He was the favorite but took a close 2nd place. He was able to secure his first victory in another newcomer race the same month on the 27th. It was said that he was rushing both races, and had a bleed at the corners of the mouth from being pulled back.<ref name=":1">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kewI8XJAt-M</ref>		Narita Top Road debuted on the 5th of December, 1998. He was the favorite but took a close 2nd place. He was able to secure his first victory in another newcomer race the same month on the 27th. It was said that he was rushing both races, and had a bleed at the corners of the mouth from being pulled back.<ref name=":1">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kewI8XJAt-M</ref>
Line 54:		Line 55:

	==== Kikuka Sho: The Top and the Chrysanthemum Crown ====		==== Kikuka Sho: The Top and the Chrysanthemum Crown ====
	Narita Top Road rested in Hokkaido over the summer, and returned to start training in Hakodate for the Autumn season. Their first race back would be the Kyoto Shinbun Hai (G2), trail race for the Kikuka Sho, where they would once again face off against Admire Vega. Top Road would again be the favorite, racing in the middle to swing out on the final corner, and Admire Vega would follow to pass by a head, like a recreation of the derby. However, with this loss, Watanabe had changed. He thought he can't race the same way again or he would lose in the Kikuka Sho<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTjsBd1pclE</ref>. He collected his thoughts and cleared his head for the final leg of the 1999 classics, deciding to race on his own terms, staying closer the front to use the Top Road's long spurt.		Narita Top Road rested in Hokkaido over the summer, and returned to start training in Hakodate for the Autumn season. Their first race back would be the Kyoto Shinbun Hai (G2), trail race for the Kikuka Sho, where they would once again face off against Admire Vega. Top Road would again be the favorite, racing in the middle to swing out on the final corner, and Admire Vega would follow to pass by a head, like a recreation of the derby. However, with this loss, Watanabe had changed. He thought he can't race the same way again or he would lose in the Kikuka Sho<ref name=":4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTjsBd1pclE</ref>. He collected his thoughts and cleared his head for the final leg of the 1999 classics, deciding to race on his own terms, staying closer the front to use the Top Road's long spurt.

	Despite feeling like he can't lose out again, Watanabe was not overly nervous on the day of the Kikuka Sho<ref name=":2" />. Narita Top Road was the 3rd favorite behind the two crown holders, Admire Vega and T.M Opera O. Staying close to the front near the rail in an extremely slow paced first 2000m, Watanabe confirms the position of the two favorites behind him, and uses the downslope of Kyoto to up the pace into the final corner turning for home. They are able to corner with minimal distance loss to stand at the front of the pack, while Wada on T.M. Opera O had to go far wide to chase them when he finally abandoned the mark onto Admire Vega. Alas, it was not enough. Narita Top Road and Watanabe finally stood at the top as the winners of the final leg of the classics. The crowd erupted into cheers and a chant for Watanabe, and he was finally able to give a great title to trainer Oki.		Despite feeling like he can't lose out again, Watanabe was not overly nervous on the day of the Kikuka Sho<ref name=":2" />. Narita Top Road was the 3rd favorite behind the two crown holders, Admire Vega and T.M Opera O. Staying close to the front near the rail in an extremely slow paced first 2000m, Watanabe confirms the position of the two favorites behind him, and uses the downslope of Kyoto to up the pace into the final corner turning for home. They are able to corner with minimal distance loss to stand at the front of the pack, while Wada on T.M. Opera O had to go far wide to chase them when he finally abandoned the mark onto Admire Vega. Alas, it was not enough. Narita Top Road and Watanabe finally stood at the top as the winners of the final leg of the classics. The crowd erupted into cheers and a chant for Watanabe, and he was finally able to give a great title to trainer Oki.
Line 95:		Line 96:

	==== Arima Kinen: A Farewell to the Big Three ====		==== Arima Kinen: A Farewell to the Big Three ====
	~~Of course the~~ Arima Kinen would be held in the Nakayama Racecourse~~, and there were still lingering worries about Narita Top Road's mental health~~. However, with Top Road in 4th on the vote, the team wanted to answer to the fans' support, ~~especially as~~ this would be the final race for the "Big Three" of 2000 with ~~both~~ T.M. Opera O and ~~Meisho Doto retiring~~.		The Arima Kinen would be of course held in the Nakayama Racecourse. However, with Narita Top Road in 4th on the vote, the team wanted to answer to the fans' support: as both T.M. Opera O and Meisho Doto are retiring, this would be the final race for the "Big Three" of 2000, and one last chance for Narita Top Road to take down T.M. Opera O. Unfortunately, reality struck as Narita Top Road turns for the short straight far behind both Meisho Doto and T.M. Opera O, all them them struggling to keep up with the winner, three year old [[IRL:Manhattan Cafe\|Manhattan Cafe]], and coming in 4th, 5th, and 10th respectively. The sun had set for the conqueror, who retired with the lowest placement ever in his career; and the battles had finally come to a close, with Narita Top Road not finishing above T.M. Opera O a single time after the classics. Both owner Yamaji and trainer Oki had thought the same thing, "We wanted to win against Opera O, but he was too strong." Jockey Watanabe recounted, "it's often said that 'if only that horse wasn't there', but I was also able to try my hardest with him there."<ref name=":2" />

			=== Pride of a Generation: the Six-Year-Old Season (2002) ===
			As his rivals leave the turf one by one, Narita Top Road would continue racing into his six-year-old season, and returns to the turf to face new challengers, once again in the Kyoto Kinen. Carrying 60kg and falling to 3rd favorite, he would actively follow the frontrunner Sakura Namiki O and enter a heated duel with fellow 99 classics generation horse Matikane Kinnohosi on the Kyoto straight; despite being behind initially, he would strike back and takes the win by a head.

			==== Hanshin Daishoten: I am still here. ====
			Taking the world record last year, Narita Top Road returned to the 3000m Hanshin course as the definitive No.1 Favorite, even against last year's horse of the year Jungle Pocket. They would take a mid pack position out of the gate and into the first lap, Narita Top Road would move up to right behind the pace setters, with Jungle Pocket stalking closely. However, there was no doubt in Narita Top Road as he clears a two length lead on the straight into the finish in front the four wide 2nd place fight, which went to Jungle Pocket. Jockey Watanabe said, "his performance in both the Kyoto Kinen and the Hanshin Daishoten were fantastic and I felt that this time might be the biggest chance we have."<ref name=":2" />

			==== Tenno Sho (Spring): Third Time's the Charm? ====
			A chance it was at the 3200 meter Tenno Sho (Spring); In his third attempt, this time without Opera O, Narita Top Road might finally win another G1. Jockey Watanabe even said, "we were said to be the strongest generation, if we lost, I would feel sorry for Opera O." Above the four-year-olds Manhattan Cafe and Jungle Pocket, Narita Top Road finds himself as the favorite in a G1 since the fateful Derby. With the three staying close to each other out of the gates and along the first lap, Manhattan Cafe stayed closest to the rail with Narita Top Road following on the outside and Jungle Pocket watching both from behind. Narita Top Road makes the move first as they head down the slope of Yodo into the final corner, and turns on the outside into the wide Kyoto straight. Meanwhile, the pack opens up for Manhattan Cafe to slip through, and Jungle Pocket followed Narita Top Road to go on the outside once they're facing the finish. As they both desperately chase Manhattan Cafe in the lead, Jungle Pocket rounded out Narita Top Road, and the three finish each a half length apart. Third, three years in a row. Though Watanabe tried, they only ended up with the "record" matching the ever loved [[IRL:Nice Nature\|Nice Nature]].

			==== Kyoto Daishoten: Holding the Torch ====
			Narita Top Road would rest after the Tenno Sho as usual, and returned again to the Kyoto Daishoten for the third time. Unfortunately, jockey Watanabe had been fractured his leg over the summer, and the team have entrusted Hirofumi Shii, who had been a great source of advice and encouragement to Watanabe, famously giving him a pat on the back to ease his nerves before the Kikuka Sho<ref name=":4" />. Despite the cloudy sky, the race would start with no rain and Narita Top Road as the favorite in the small field of 8. Staying mid pack, Narita Top Road would turn wide with jockey Shii and overtake the pack. With their lead widening, Narita Top Road crosses the line while commentator Tetsushi Baba calls "Passing the torch? What is that? Doesn't matter, Narita Top Road!"<ref name=":2" /> A fantastic performance to make the first time Narita Top Road has returned in Autumn with a win.

			==== Tenno Sho (Autumn): Renewing Hope ====
			Tokyo Racecourse has gone into remodeling, and the autumn senior triple crown will all be held on the Nakayama Racecourse. Drawing the inside gate, with good ground announced as firm, Narita Top Road was unable to break well and had started the race at the back of the pack. Moving up just slightly throughout the race, there was no choice but to turn wide again onto the dreaded Nakayama straight. However, it was different this time. While the three year old [[IRL:Symboli Kris S\|Symboli Kris S]] pulled clear of the pack, Narita Top Road fought his way up the hill and digs in. Stride by stride he closes the gap, though it was not enough to catch 1st by 3/4 lengths, he had finished 2nd with the fastest last three furlongs out of all horses in the race.

			==== Japan Cup: If Only ====
			The gate draw, the distance, and the weather, somehow staying dry, all seemed like they were on Narita Top Road's side. Owner Yamaji, who had attended the race, believed in his horse's good performance, "I didn't say it out loud, but I thought, if he wins here, I might let him retire"<ref name=":2" />. Again turning wide into the Nakayama straight, this time right next to Symboli Kris S, Narita Top Road and Shii try to make a move for the front. But they didn't move. Narita Top Road stayed in the back and watched as Symboli Kris S fell by a head to the nose and nose Falbrav and Sarafan, finishing in 10th. This was the first time Narita Top Road has finished outside of the top 5 when not in the Arima Kinen, and once again showed his adversity to Nakayama. Trainer Oki had also suspected, "He was apprehensive about being seen by veterinarians after the accident, and maybe in that moment it flashed through his mind. When I thought back at it carefully, that's a plausible reason for this defeat."<ref name=":2" />

			==== Arima Kinen: Beloved Pair, Final Race. ====
			Owner Yamaji would ask Watanabe to return for one final ride with Narita Top Road. When he's visiting trainer Oki's stables, he said, "He's at his limit, if I make him run more I would feel bad for the horse, but I still want him to win in his last race." And to Watanabe, "no need to be nervous, it's your last time".<ref name=":2" />

			First. That's Narita Top Road's fan vote placement for the Arima Kinen. Despite considering going to the Hong Kong Vase, the team decided there was no better way to close the curtains for Narita Top Road than in front of the fans that loved him.<ref name=":3" />

	==~~= Six Year Old Season (2002) ===~~		Pouring rain had fallen the day before the race. While the start was pushed pack, Watanabe was checking the ground conditions. "It was better than I thought", he recalled, "maybe it could be something."<ref name=":2" /> Entering the field among the banners and cheers, Watanabe thought to himself, "it's my final time with Top Road, I'm going to miss all of this. It will feel lonely." The race must go on, and the gates must open: [[IRL:Tap Dance City\|Tap Dance City]] breaks away with [[IRL:Fine Motion\|Fine Motion]] , and Narita Top Road leads the following pack. As Fine Motion falls back into the pack, Tap Dance City widens his lead into the 3rd and 4th corner. As they face the straight with Tap Dance City to catch, Narita Top Road hangs on for dear life while Symboli Kris S flies past. The black horse had made an unbelievable surge to Tap Dance City, and won by half a length. Coin Toss, who had slipped through on the inside, manages to keep up two lengths behind. Narita Top Road? He hung on and shut out everyone else another two and a half lengths behind, coming in 4th. On yielding turf, amongst the cheers, riding as they always did, Narita Top Road and Watanabe had finished in the top 5 for the very first time in the Arima Kinen.

			"Though I would have loved to see him on solid firm ground, he was able to run well in the end." Jockey Watanabe remarked, "I would have loved to do more for him, and I will miss him."<ref name=":2" />

	===Retirement===		===Retirement===
	Narita Top Road was retired after the 2002 Arima Kinen, and had a retirement ceremony held on the 19th of January in Kyoto Racecourse, where he would wear his winning number 1 in the Kikuka Sho. Winning the most G2s ever at the time<ref group="Note">Surpassed by Balance of Game in 2006</ref>, he also has the 2nd most earning in his generation over Meisho Doto, and is still the 3rd highest earning Japanese racehorse with 1 G1 win (after [[IRL:Cheval Grand\|Cheval Grand]] and Stay Gold)<ref>JRA Database</ref>.		Narita Top Road was retired after the 2002 Arima Kinen, and had a retirement ceremony held on the 19th of January in Kyoto Racecourse, where he would wear his winning number 1 in the Kikuka Sho. He was running around with energy to spare.

			Winning the most G2s ever at the time<ref group="Note">Surpassed by Balance of Game in 2006</ref>, he also has the 2nd most earning in his generation over Meisho Doto, and is still the 3rd highest earning Japanese racehorse with 1 G1 win (after [[IRL:Cheval Grand\|Cheval Grand]] and Stay Gold)<ref>JRA Database</ref>.

	After retirement, Narita Top Road was sent to Shadai Stallion Station to begin his stud duties. While they discovered a bladder stone in February 2005, he received surgery after the end of the breeding season on the 8th of October. He passed away from acute heart failure on the 7th of November, 2005, coincidentally, exactly 6 years after his Kikuka Sho victory<ref>https://www.radionikkei.jp/keiba_article/news/entry-133066.html</ref>. He left behind just three generations of offspring, the most notable of which, Bella Rheia, won the 2007 Flora Stakes and placed 2nd in the 2007 Japanese Oaks (Yushun Himba).		After retirement, Narita Top Road was sent to Shadai Stallion Station to begin his stud duties. While they discovered a bladder stone in February 2005, he received surgery after the end of the breeding season on the 8th of October. He passed away from acute heart failure on the 7th of November, 2005, coincidentally, exactly 6 years after his Kikuka Sho victory<ref>https://www.radionikkei.jp/keiba_article/news/entry-133066.html</ref>. He left behind just three generations of offspring, the most notable of which, Bella Rheia, won the 2007 Flora Stakes and placed 2nd in the 2007 Japanese Oaks (Yushun Himba).

Manikin at 15:03, 1 April 2026

2026-04-01T15:03:57Z

QneThe: almost finishing 5yo season

2026-04-01T00:36:48Z

almost finishing 5yo season

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:36, 1 April 2026
Line 54:		Line 54:
	With the defeat in the Satsuki Sho, jockey Watanabe rewatched the footage of the race. In reference to Yutaka Take's riding in the previous year (A win in the Kisaragi Sho, Yayoi Sho, losing in the Satsuki Sho and wining the Derby with [[IRL:Special Week\|Special Week]]), he decides to ride Top Road by keeping in mind to ride following horse's mood. Top Road himself was in great condition without much change to weight, and the team was able to enter the derby with confidence. On the day of the derby, Narita Top Road had just edged past both Admire Vega and T.M. Opera O to be the favorite in the race. With a sunny day in the wide Tokyo Racecourse, they set off for the throne of the best three year old in their generation. While right behind Wada and Opera O, Watanabe and Top Road followed them as they turned for home on the long Tokyo straight. Their duel went all the way to the 200 meter marker, where Admire Vega, who had crept closer and closer to them into the straight from further back, finally past them in the final moments, taking a head's lead on the line from Top Road. In a three way duel for the ages, Admire Vega had shone as the brightest of all. As Opera O went too early with Wada, Watanabe was also too fixated onto passing them<ref name=":1" /> and had only realized his mistake when it was too late, and Take rode calmly and precisely to catch both of them. Watanabe, who wanted to make his mentor, trainer Oki, a derby trainer more than himself a derby jockey, had fell just short<ref name=":1" />. Despite Oki saying that he had no regrets and Watanabe did great, Watanabe himself was seen with tears after the race<ref name=":2" />.		With the defeat in the Satsuki Sho, jockey Watanabe rewatched the footage of the race. In reference to Yutaka Take's riding in the previous year (A win in the Kisaragi Sho, Yayoi Sho, losing in the Satsuki Sho and wining the Derby with [[IRL:Special Week\|Special Week]]), he decides to ride Top Road by keeping in mind to ride following horse's mood. Top Road himself was in great condition without much change to weight, and the team was able to enter the derby with confidence. On the day of the derby, Narita Top Road had just edged past both Admire Vega and T.M. Opera O to be the favorite in the race. With a sunny day in the wide Tokyo Racecourse, they set off for the throne of the best three year old in their generation. While right behind Wada and Opera O, Watanabe and Top Road followed them as they turned for home on the long Tokyo straight. Their duel went all the way to the 200 meter marker, where Admire Vega, who had crept closer and closer to them into the straight from further back, finally past them in the final moments, taking a head's lead on the line from Top Road. In a three way duel for the ages, Admire Vega had shone as the brightest of all. As Opera O went too early with Wada, Watanabe was also too fixated onto passing them<ref name=":1" /> and had only realized his mistake when it was too late, and Take rode calmly and precisely to catch both of them. Watanabe, who wanted to make his mentor, trainer Oki, a derby trainer more than himself a derby jockey, had fell just short<ref name=":1" />. Despite Oki saying that he had no regrets and Watanabe did great, Watanabe himself was seen with tears after the race<ref name=":2" />.

	==== Kikuka Sho: The Top. ====		==== Kikuka Sho: The Top and the Chrysanthemum Crown ====
	Narita Top Road rested in Hokkaido over the summer, and returned to start training in Hakodate for the Autumn season. Their first race back would be the Kyoto Shinbun Hai (G2), trail race for the Kikuka Sho, where they would once again face off against Admire Vega. Top Road would again be the favorite, racing in the middle to swing out on the final corner, and Admire Vega would follow to pass by a head, like a recreation of the derby. However, with this loss, Watanabe had changed. He thought he can't race the same way again or he would lose in the Kikuka Sho<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTjsBd1pclE</ref>. He collected his thoughts and cleared his head for the final leg of the 1999 classics, deciding to race on his own terms, staying closer the front to use the Top Road's long spurt.		Narita Top Road rested in Hokkaido over the summer, and returned to start training in Hakodate for the Autumn season. Their first race back would be the Kyoto Shinbun Hai (G2), trail race for the Kikuka Sho, where they would once again face off against Admire Vega. Top Road would again be the favorite, racing in the middle to swing out on the final corner, and Admire Vega would follow to pass by a head, like a recreation of the derby. However, with this loss, Watanabe had changed. He thought he can't race the same way again or he would lose in the Kikuka Sho<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTjsBd1pclE</ref>. He collected his thoughts and cleared his head for the final leg of the 1999 classics, deciding to race on his own terms, staying closer the front to use the Top Road's long spurt.

Line 80:		Line 80:

	==== Hanshin Daishoten: On Top of the World ====		==== Hanshin Daishoten: On Top of the World ====
	A return to the 3000m Hanshin course, jockey Watanabe himself said that he was able to readjust and ride with a fresh mind<ref name=":2" />; and they were again the favorites just in front of the horse that defeated them at the Kyoto Kinen, Maquereau, and no T.M. Opera O to worry for. In a field stretched long and thin by the runaway Hot Secret and Tagajo ~~Nobel~~ while Maquereau fell behind early, Narita Top Road stayed in the middle of the main pack in a familiar position. The field becomes packed again turning into the final two corners, and Watanabe, who had been watching out for both front and back, turns the corner on the outside of both frontrunners. They had passed the entire pack before Watanabe even swung the whip once, and when he did, there was no catching them. Narita Top Road soared along the straight into the finish with a staggering 8 length lead. Narita Top Road had not won since the Kikuka Sho, but this performance was not just a return to form or a show of strength, as the red lamp for "record" turned on, Narita Top Road, who had carried 59kg in the race, became a new world record holder: 3000 meters in 3:02.5.<ref name=":0" group="Note" /> In the winning interview, jockey Watanabe made his intentions clear: "He's getting better, and I'll try not to get a result like last year. There's one strong horse, but he's not any worse."<ref name=":2" />		A return to the 3000m Hanshin course, jockey Watanabe himself said that he was able to readjust and ride with a fresh mind<ref name=":2" />; and they were again the favorites just in front of the horse that defeated them at the Kyoto Kinen, Maquereau, and no T.M. Opera O to worry for. In a field stretched long and thin by the runaway Hot Secret and Tagajo Noble while Maquereau fell behind early, Narita Top Road stayed in the middle of the main pack in a familiar position. The field becomes packed again turning into the final two corners, and Watanabe, who had been watching out for both front and back, turns the corner on the outside of both frontrunners. They had passed the entire pack before Watanabe even swung the whip once, and when he did, there was no catching them. Narita Top Road soared along the straight into the finish with a staggering 8 length lead. Narita Top Road had not won since the Kikuka Sho a year and four months ago, but this performance was not just a return to form or a show of strength, as the red lamp for "record" turned on, Narita Top Road, who had carried 59kg in the race, became a new world record holder: 3000 meters in 3:02.5.<ref name=":0" group="Note" />

	==== Tenno Sho (Spring) ====		In the winning interview, jockey Watanabe made his intentions clear: "He's getting better, and I'll try not to get a result like last year. There's one strong horse, but he's not any worse."<ref name=":2" />

			==== Tenno Sho (Spring): The Rain Song ====
			Narita Top Road's second Tenno Sho (Spring) attempt, with the team determined to win against T.M. Opera O, was met with dreaded rain. With Tagajo Noble and [[IRL:Seiun Sky\|Seiun Sky]] (who had just returned onto the turf after a one and a half year hiatus) breaking away, the big players in the race T.M Opera O, Meisho Doto, and [[IRL:Air Shakur\|Air Shakur]] all stuck together in a main pack right behind Narita Top Road. As Seiun Sky falls behind, the pack chases up to Tagajo Noble on the hill of the Kyoto racecourse, and Narita Top Road turns into the final corner just behind Mejiro Lambert. In a desperate fight for the lead on the final straight, though Narita Top Road would stand in front a a brief moment, he would be passed by T.M. Opera O and then Meisho Doto just before the finish line. While T.M. Opera O has defended his title, Narita Top Road again took home third in a frustrating defeat from his wet track averseness<ref name=":2" />.

			==== Kyoto Daishoten: The Fall ====
			With the team deciding to rest him until the autumn season to again tend to his chronic periostitis, Narita Top Road returns to the turf at the Kyoto Daishoten(G2). Once again facing T.M. Opera O with the inclusion of 7 year old Dubai Sheema Classic (G2) winner [[IRL:Stay Gold\|Stay Gold]], they're in a small field of just 7 horses. Narita Top Road has grown over the summer, and trainer Oki said that he felt like he had changed as much as when he was still growing in his 2 year old season<ref name=":2" />, giving the team much confidence entering this race against his eternal rival. Turning into the final straight parallel in front, Narita Top Road finds himself between Opera O and Stay Gold trying to pass him. Just as Stay Gold has gotten past him, he would swerve left into the path of Narita Top Road, who was neck and neck with T.M. Opera O on the straight. Being impeded, Narita Top Road trips and sends jockey Watanabe tumbling over him and onto the Kyoto turf. As Stay Gold passes the post with T.M. Opera O three quarter lengths behind, the blue lamp for stewardess' review lights up. Stay Gold would be disqualified, and T.M. Opera O was the "winner" of the race. T.M. Opera O's fall from grace was slow but unmistakable, but Narita Top Road himself just got a much bigger issue.

			Jockey Watanabe ached from the heart even more than with his body, "I felt so terrible for putting him through that experience"<ref name=":2" />, "It was preventable, but I was too occupied trying to win.<ref name=":3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QvWhvs6ZWI</ref>" Although Narita Top Road was fine physically through screening, he was undoubtably shaken by the incident. He had stood still, unwilling to move in his stable in Kyoto, and had to be pushed into the truck to transport him back to Ritto. Trainer Oki had worried, "it could be the end of this horse's life as a racer.<ref name=":2" />" The team took their time to slowly ease away his trauma, ultimately having to pull out from the Tenno Sho (Autumn).

			==== Japan Cup: Standing Back Up ====
			Narita Top Road would take a month and a half to finally return to training. Though the team still doesn't know how much Top Road had recovered and race ready, they still entered into the pinnacle of races, the Japan Cup (G1). When To the Victory passed the whole pack to run away on the back straight, Narita Top Road would find himself third from the back, far from the two favorites T.M. Opera O and [[IRL:Jungle Pocket\|Jungle Pocket]]. Narita Top Road, who had to turn out wide in the final corner, witnesses a generational duel on the long straight of the Tokyo Racecourse. As Jungle Pocket surges towards T.M. Opera O, Narita Top Road follows; three, four lengths behind Jungle Pocket, Narita Top Road claws his way forward. As Jungle Pocket passed T.M. Opera O, both clear of the pack, Narita Top Road also edged out the rest to stand on the podium in third. Notably, this is also the first time Narita Top Road had finished in front of Meisho Doto.

			==== Arima Kinen: A Farewell to the Big Three ====
			Of course the Arima Kinen would be held in the Nakayama Racecourse, and there were still lingering worries about Narita Top Road's mental health. However, with Top Road in 4th on the vote, the team wanted to answer to the fans' support, especially as this would be the final race for the "Big Three" of 2000 with both T.M. Opera O and Meisho Doto retiring.

	=== Six Year Old Season (2002) ===		=== Six Year Old Season (2002) ===
Line 145:		Line 159:
	** This could be due to his notoriously bad-tempered sire Soccer Boy.		** This could be due to his notoriously bad-tempered sire Soccer Boy.
	* Though not considered related in horse racing, Narita Top Road shares the same maternal grandfather as Meisho Doto, Affirmed.		* Though not considered related in horse racing, Narita Top Road shares the same maternal grandfather as Meisho Doto, Affirmed.
	* Narita Top Road was described as a horse with good looks.		* Narita Top Road was described as a horse with good looks, and he had a lot of female fans.<ref name=":3" />
	* Jockey Watanabe and T.M. Opera O's jockey Wada were acquainted before they raced on the track as they were in the horse racing school together (two years apart), and since they were from the same city, actually went to the same elementary school together as well<ref name=":1" />.		* Jockey Watanabe and T.M. Opera O's jockey Wada were acquainted before they raced on the track as they were in the horse racing school together (two years apart), and since they were from the same city, actually went to the same elementary school together as well<ref name=":1" />.
	* Watanabe is described as a hardcore anime otaku, who got banned from microtransactions by his wife. He actively watches anime and also engages with Umamusume.		* Watanabe is described as a hardcore anime otaku, who got banned from microtransactions by his wife. He actively watches anime and also engages with Umamusume.

QneThe at 00:44, 26 March 2026

2026-03-26T00:44:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:44, 26 March 2026
Line 87:		Line 87:

	===Retirement===		===Retirement===
	Narita Top Road was retired after the 2002 Arima Kinen, and had a retirement ceremony held on the 19th of January in Kyoto Racecourse, where he would wear his winning number 1 in the Kikuka Sho. Winning the most G2s ever at the time<ref group="Note">Surpassed by Balance of Game in 2006</ref>, he also has the 2nd most earning in his generation over Meisho Doto, and is still the 3rd highest earning Japanese racehorse with 1 G1 win (after [[IRL:Cheval Grand\|Cheval Grand]] and Stay Gold).		Narita Top Road was retired after the 2002 Arima Kinen, and had a retirement ceremony held on the 19th of January in Kyoto Racecourse, where he would wear his winning number 1 in the Kikuka Sho. Winning the most G2s ever at the time<ref group="Note">Surpassed by Balance of Game in 2006</ref>, he also has the 2nd most earning in his generation over Meisho Doto, and is still the 3rd highest earning Japanese racehorse with 1 G1 win (after [[IRL:Cheval Grand\|Cheval Grand]] and Stay Gold)<ref>JRA Database</ref>.

	After retirement, Narita Top Road was sent to Shadai Stallion Station to begin his stud duties. While they discovered a bladder stone in February 2005, he received surgery after the end of the breeding season on the 8th of October. He passed away from acute heart failure on the 7th of November, 2005, coincidentally, exactly 6 years after his Kikuka Sho victory. He left behind just three generations of offspring, the most notable of which, Belle Rheia, won the Flora Stakes and placed 2nd in the Japanese Oaks (Yushun Himba).		After retirement, Narita Top Road was sent to Shadai Stallion Station to begin his stud duties. While they discovered a bladder stone in February 2005, he received surgery after the end of the breeding season on the 8th of October. He passed away from acute heart failure on the 7th of November, 2005, coincidentally, exactly 6 years after his Kikuka Sho victory<ref>https://www.radionikkei.jp/keiba_article/news/entry-133066.html</ref>. He left behind just three generations of offspring, the most notable of which, Belle Rheia, won the Flora Stakes and placed 2nd in the Japanese Oaks (Yushun Himba).

	== Honors ==		== Honors ==

DragonOfAtlantis at 00:41, 26 March 2026

2026-03-26T00:41:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:41, 26 March 2026
Line 80:		Line 80:

	==== Hanshin Daishoten: On Top of the World ====		==== Hanshin Daishoten: On Top of the World ====
	A return to the 3000m Hanshin course, jockey Watanabe himself said that he was able to readjust and ride with a fresh mind<ref name=":2" />; and they were again the favorites just in front of the horse that defeated them at the Kyoto Kinen, Maquereau, and no T.M. Opera to worry for. In a field stretched long and thin by the runaway Hot Secret and Tagajo Nobel while Maquereau fell behind early, Narita Top Road stayed in the middle of the main pack in a familiar position. The field becomes packed again turning into the final two corners, and Watanabe, who had been watching out for both front and back, turns the corner on the outside of both frontrunners. They had passed the entire pack before Watanabe even swung the whip once, and when he did, there was no catching them. Narita Top Road soared along the straight into the finish with a staggering 8 length lead. Narita Top Road had not won since the Kikuka Sho, but this performance was not just a return to form or a show of strength, as the red lamp for "record" turned on, Narita Top Road, who had carried 59kg in the race, became a new world record holder: 3000 meters in 3:02.5.<ref name=":0" group="Note" /> In the winning interview, jockey Watanabe made his intentions clear: "He's getting better, and I'll try not to get a result like last year. There's one strong horse, but he's not any worse."<ref name=":2" />		A return to the 3000m Hanshin course, jockey Watanabe himself said that he was able to readjust and ride with a fresh mind<ref name=":2" />; and they were again the favorites just in front of the horse that defeated them at the Kyoto Kinen, Maquereau, and no T.M. Opera O to worry for. In a field stretched long and thin by the runaway Hot Secret and Tagajo Nobel while Maquereau fell behind early, Narita Top Road stayed in the middle of the main pack in a familiar position. The field becomes packed again turning into the final two corners, and Watanabe, who had been watching out for both front and back, turns the corner on the outside of both frontrunners. They had passed the entire pack before Watanabe even swung the whip once, and when he did, there was no catching them. Narita Top Road soared along the straight into the finish with a staggering 8 length lead. Narita Top Road had not won since the Kikuka Sho, but this performance was not just a return to form or a show of strength, as the red lamp for "record" turned on, Narita Top Road, who had carried 59kg in the race, became a new world record holder: 3000 meters in 3:02.5.<ref name=":0" group="Note" /> In the winning interview, jockey Watanabe made his intentions clear: "He's getting better, and I'll try not to get a result like last year. There's one strong horse, but he's not any worse."<ref name=":2" />

	==== Tenno Sho (Spring) ====		==== Tenno Sho (Spring) ====

QneThe at 00:39, 26 March 2026

2026-03-26T00:39:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:39, 26 March 2026
Line 22:		Line 22:
	{{IRL_Horse_Quote		{{IRL_Horse_Quote
	\|header=One devotion, Road to the Top.		\|header=One devotion, Road to the Top.
	\|text=Looking back, there were battles with wonderful rivals for the throne. <br> In the wake, there was a great crown of chrysanthemum. <br> But you ~~kept~~ running. <br> After the friends you fought tooth and nail with left the turf, you, with the pride of your generation, stood up to new challenges. <br> You, and everyone have but one devotion. <br> Road to the Top.		\|text=Looking back, there were battles with wonderful rivals for the throne. <br>
			In the wake, there was a great crown of chrysanthemum. <br>
			But you never stopped running. <br>
			After the friends you fought tooth and nail with left the turf, you, with the pride of your generation, stood up to new challenges. <br>
			You, and everyone have but one devotion. <br> Road to the Top.
	\|ref=JRA Hero's Biography 53		\|ref=JRA Hero's Biography 53
	}}		}}
Line 66:		Line 70:
	Come autumn, Narita Top Road would immediately face his biggest rival T.M. Opera O in the Kyoto Daishoten (G2), where trainer Oki said, "If we’re ever going to beat that horse, this is the time"<ref>『優駿』2000年12月号、p.61</ref>. The race would unfold familiarly, with Top Road once again turning for home in front of the main pack, with Opera O following close. They battle again on the Kyoto straight with Watanabe's whip flying to tell Top Road to give it his all. Meanwhile, jockey Wada simply held on the reins, and whip was not raised out a single time into the finish. T.M. Opera O had won by a head, but the difference is clear, and trainer Oki said he was a step above Narita Top Road<ref name=":2" />. Despite not intentionally racing against T.M. Opera O, they had lost many races to him. Watanabe said, "I felt like I was thinking day and night about how to win against him."<ref name=":2" />		Come autumn, Narita Top Road would immediately face his biggest rival T.M. Opera O in the Kyoto Daishoten (G2), where trainer Oki said, "If we’re ever going to beat that horse, this is the time"<ref>『優駿』2000年12月号、p.61</ref>. The race would unfold familiarly, with Top Road once again turning for home in front of the main pack, with Opera O following close. They battle again on the Kyoto straight with Watanabe's whip flying to tell Top Road to give it his all. Meanwhile, jockey Wada simply held on the reins, and whip was not raised out a single time into the finish. T.M. Opera O had won by a head, but the difference is clear, and trainer Oki said he was a step above Narita Top Road<ref name=":2" />. Despite not intentionally racing against T.M. Opera O, they had lost many races to him. Watanabe said, "I felt like I was thinking day and night about how to win against him."<ref name=":2" />

	The show must go on, and to the next race comes the Tenno Sho (Autumn). Rascal Suzuka could not race due to tendonitis, and in his place was the Takarazuka Kinen 2nd placer behind T.M. Opera O, [[IRL:Meisho Doto\|Meisho Doto]]. Narita Top Road still sits behind the two as the 3rd favorite. However, they would be on wet turf, and Top Road could not extend and finished 5th, while T.M. Opera O and Meisho Doto finishes 1st and 2nd. Even though they had competed well and met the prize money requirements, with no graded wins in the year from constantly competing against Opera O, they were not even able to enter the Japan Cup. This called for a change of plans, and the team had to instead aim for the Arima Kinen and entered Narita Top Road to the longest flat graded race in Japan, the Stayers Stakes (G2). Though they were overwhelmingly the favorites from being the only G1 winner in the field, perhaps due to being on the Nakayama Racecourse and having water splashed on the turf earlier by staff<ref name=":0" />, they had finished 4th place, out of the podium. ~~Instead of cheers, insults were thrown at Watanabe and Narita Top Road, despite~~ trainer Oki thinking that the loss was out of their control<ref name=":2" />.		The show must go on, and to the next race comes the Tenno Sho (Autumn). Rascal Suzuka could not race due to tendonitis, and in his place was the Takarazuka Kinen 2nd placer behind T.M. Opera O, [[IRL:Meisho Doto\|Meisho Doto]]. Narita Top Road still sits behind the two as the 3rd favorite. However, they would be on wet turf, and Top Road could not extend and finished 5th, while T.M. Opera O and Meisho Doto finishes 1st and 2nd. Even though they had competed well and met the prize money requirements, with no graded wins in the year from constantly competing against Opera O, they were not even able to enter the Japan Cup. This called for a change of plans, and the team had to instead aim for the Arima Kinen and entered Narita Top Road to the longest flat graded race in Japan, the Stayers Stakes (G2). Though they were overwhelmingly the favorites from being the only G1 winner in the field, perhaps due to being on the Nakayama Racecourse and having water splashed on the turf earlier by staff<ref name=":0" />, they had finished 4th place, out of the podium. Although trainer Oki thinking that the loss was out of their control<ref name=":2" />, insults instead of cheers were thrown at Watanabe and Narita Top Road when they came back from the track.

	Before the Arima Kinen, which was also held on Nakayama Racecourse, trainer Oki had made a tough decision: Top Road's first and only jockey Watanabe would be changed out for Hitoshi Matoba, a much more experienced veteran who rode the likes of [[IRL:Rice Shower\|Rice Shower]] and Grass Wonder, the winner of the two previous Arima Kinens. Oki gave the reason that, despite wanting Watanabe to perform, as Nakayama was a tough condition for Top Road, and a more experienced jockey should be able to help him more<ref name=":2" />. While this devastated Watanabe<ref name=":2" />, trainer Oki ensured him that as Mr. Matoba would retired as a jockey in February 2001, it was only a matter of time before Watanabe would be on the saddle on Top Road<ref name=":0" />.		Before the Arima Kinen, which was also held on Nakayama Racecourse, trainer Oki had made a tough decision: Top Road's first and only jockey Watanabe would be changed out for Hitoshi Matoba, a much more experienced veteran who rode the likes of [[IRL:Rice Shower\|Rice Shower]] and Grass Wonder, the winner of the two previous Arima Kinens. Oki gave the reason that, despite wanting Watanabe to perform, as Nakayama was a tough condition for Top Road, and a more experienced jockey should be able to help him more<ref name=":2" />. While this devastated Watanabe<ref name=":2" />, trainer Oki ensured him that as Mr. Matoba would retired as a jockey in February 2001, it was only a matter of time before Watanabe would be on the saddle on Top Road<ref name=":0" />.

	Narita Top Road placed 2nd in the fan vote, just behind T.M. Opera O, the reigning king of the turf in a 7 graded win streak, while having no wins of his own for more than a year. Staying near the leaders, Matoba would also turn Top Road into the straight on the outside, while T.M. Opera O were trapped by a net of horses, unable to escape until the last stretch. However, on the hill, Opera O miraculously slipped through a tiny gap between Narita Top Road and Meisho Doto to make a legendary surge to the finish 1st for the undefeated grand slam. Narita Top Road finished 9th, while an unsavory result, it was not unexpected.		Narita Top Road placed 2nd in the fan vote, just behind T.M. Opera O, the reigning king of the turf in a 7 graded win streak, while having no wins of his own for more than a year. Staying near the leaders, Matoba would also turn Top Road into the straight on the outside, while T.M. Opera O were trapped by a net of horses, unable to escape until the last stretch. However, on the hill, Opera O miraculously slipped through a tiny gap between Narita Top Road and Meisho Doto to make a legendary surge to the finish 1st for the undefeated grand slam. Narita Top Road finished 9th, while an unsavory result, it was not unexpected. The year ended without a single win for Narita Top Road.

	=== Beginning of a New Era: the Five-Year-Old Season (2001) ===		=== Beginning of a New Era: the Five-Year-Old Season (2001) ===
			Narita Top Road would run just one more time after the turn of the year with jockey Matoba, in the Kyoto Kinen (G2). Despite being the favorite again, he was passed from behind by last year's derby winner Agnes Flight, and Maquereau, ridden by the main jockey of Meisho Doto. After jockey Watanabe's return on the saddle, the team aimed again for the Tenno Sho (Spring) by going to the Hanshin Daishoten (G2).

			==== Hanshin Daishoten: On Top of the World ====
			A return to the 3000m Hanshin course, jockey Watanabe himself said that he was able to readjust and ride with a fresh mind<ref name=":2" />; and they were again the favorites just in front of the horse that defeated them at the Kyoto Kinen, Maquereau, and no T.M. Opera to worry for. In a field stretched long and thin by the runaway Hot Secret and Tagajo Nobel while Maquereau fell behind early, Narita Top Road stayed in the middle of the main pack in a familiar position. The field becomes packed again turning into the final two corners, and Watanabe, who had been watching out for both front and back, turns the corner on the outside of both frontrunners. They had passed the entire pack before Watanabe even swung the whip once, and when he did, there was no catching them. Narita Top Road soared along the straight into the finish with a staggering 8 length lead. Narita Top Road had not won since the Kikuka Sho, but this performance was not just a return to form or a show of strength, as the red lamp for "record" turned on, Narita Top Road, who had carried 59kg in the race, became a new world record holder: 3000 meters in 3:02.5.<ref name=":0" group="Note" /> In the winning interview, jockey Watanabe made his intentions clear: "He's getting better, and I'll try not to get a result like last year. There's one strong horse, but he's not any worse."<ref name=":2" />

			==== Tenno Sho (Spring) ====

	=== Six Year Old Season (2002) ===		=== Six Year Old Season (2002) ===

	===Retirement===		===Retirement===
			Narita Top Road was retired after the 2002 Arima Kinen, and had a retirement ceremony held on the 19th of January in Kyoto Racecourse, where he would wear his winning number 1 in the Kikuka Sho. Winning the most G2s ever at the time<ref group="Note">Surpassed by Balance of Game in 2006</ref>, he also has the 2nd most earning in his generation over Meisho Doto, and is still the 3rd highest earning Japanese racehorse with 1 G1 win (after [[IRL:Cheval Grand\|Cheval Grand]] and Stay Gold).

			After retirement, Narita Top Road was sent to Shadai Stallion Station to begin his stud duties. While they discovered a bladder stone in February 2005, he received surgery after the end of the breeding season on the 8th of October. He passed away from acute heart failure on the 7th of November, 2005, coincidentally, exactly 6 years after his Kikuka Sho victory. He left behind just three generations of offspring, the most notable of which, Belle Rheia, won the Flora Stakes and placed 2nd in the Japanese Oaks (Yushun Himba).

	== Honors ==		== Honors ==

	* World record for 3000m turf (3:02.5) achieved in the 2001 Hanshin Daishoten<ref group="Note">Record broken by Toho Jackal in the 2014 Kikuka Sho (3:01:0), Course record broken by Ask Victor More in the 2022 Kikuka Sho (held in Hanshin Racecourse, 3:02.4), race record broken by Admire Terra in 2026 (3:02.0)</ref>		* World record for 3000m turf (3:02.5) achieved in the 2001 Hanshin Daishoten<ref group="Note" name=":0">Record broken by Toho Jackal in the 2014 Kikuka Sho (3:01:0), Course record broken by Ask Victor More in the 2022 Kikuka Sho (held in Hanshin Racecourse, 3:02.4), race record broken by Admire Terra in 2026 (3:02.0)</ref>

	== Relationships ==		== Relationships ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:29, 4 June 2026
Line 41:		Line 41:
	Owner Yamaji called trainer Yoshio Oki to the farm to pick foal with a stayer build, which would become Narita Top Road<ref name=":0">https://dic.pixiv.net/a/%E3%83%8A%E3%83%AA%E3%82%BF%E3%83%88%E3%83%83%E3%83%97%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89 (Pixiv Wiki itself needs citations, but it is used here in places without other sources)</ref>. His jockey was be Kunihiko Watanabe, a young jockey with just five years of experience.		Owner Yamaji called trainer Yoshio Oki to the farm to pick foal with a stayer build, which would become Narita Top Road<ref name=":0">https://dic.pixiv.net/a/%E3%83%8A%E3%83%AA%E3%82%BF%E3%83%88%E3%83%83%E3%83%97%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89 (Pixiv Wiki itself needs citations, but it is used here in places without other sources)</ref>. His jockey was be Kunihiko Watanabe, a young jockey with just five years of experience.

	Narita Top Road debuted on the 5th ~~of December~~, 1998. He was the favorite but took a close 2nd place. He was able to secure his first victory in another newcomer race the same month on the 27th. It was said that he was rushing both races, and had a bleed at the corners of the mouth from being pulled back.<ref name=":1">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kewI8XJAt-M</ref>		Narita Top Road debuted on the December 5th, 1998. He was the favorite but took a close 2nd place. He was able to secure his first victory in another newcomer race the same month on the 27th. It was said that he was rushing both races, and had a bleed at the corners of the mouth from being pulled back.<ref name=":1">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kewI8XJAt-M</ref>

	=== Road to the Top: the Three-Year-Old Season (1999) ===		=== Road to the Top: the Three-Year-Old Season (1999) ===
Line 52:		Line 52:

	==== Japanese Derby: Hot-Headedness and Experience ====		==== Japanese Derby: Hot-Headedness and Experience ====
	With the defeat in the Satsuki Sho, jockey Watanabe rewatched the footage of the race. In reference to Yutaka Take's riding in the previous year (A win in the Kisaragi Sho, Yayoi Sho, losing in the Satsuki Sho and wining the Derby with [[IRL:Special Week\|Special Week]]), he decides to ride Top Road by keeping in mind to ride following horse's mood. Top Road himself was in great condition without much change to weight, and the team was able to enter the derby with confidence. On the day of the derby, Narita Top Road had just edged past both Admire Vega and T.M. Opera O to be the favorite in the race. With a sunny day in the wide Tokyo Racecourse, they set off for the throne of the best three year old in their generation. While right behind Wada and Opera O, Watanabe and Top Road followed them as they turned for home on the long Tokyo straight. Their duel went all the way to the 200 meter marker, where Admire Vega, who had crept closer and closer to them into the straight from further back, finally past them in the final moments, taking a head's lead on the line from Top Road. In a three way duel for the ages, Admire Vega had shone as the brightest of all. As Opera O went too early with Wada, Watanabe was also too fixated onto passing them<ref name=":1" /> and had only realized his mistake when it was too late, and Take rode calmly and precisely to catch both of them. Watanabe, who wanted to make his mentor, trainer Oki, a ~~derby~~ trainer more than himself a ~~derby~~ jockey, had fell just short<ref name=":1" />. Despite Oki saying that he had no regrets and Watanabe did great, Watanabe himself was seen with tears after the race<ref name=":2" />.		With the defeat in the Satsuki Sho, jockey Watanabe rewatched the footage of the race. In reference to Yutaka Take's riding in the previous year (A win in the Kisaragi Sho, Yayoi Sho, losing in the Satsuki Sho and wining the Derby with [[IRL:Special Week\|Special Week]]), he decides to ride Top Road by keeping in mind to ride following horse's mood. Top Road himself was in great condition without much change to weight, and the team was able to enter the derby with confidence. On the day of the derby, Narita Top Road had just edged past both Admire Vega and T.M. Opera O to be the favorite in the race. With a sunny day in the wide Tokyo Racecourse, they set off for the throne of the best three year old in their generation. While right behind Wada and Opera O, Watanabe and Top Road followed them as they turned for home on the long Tokyo straight. Their duel went all the way to the 200-meter marker, where Admire Vega, who had crept closer and closer to them into the straight from further back, finally past them in the final moments, taking a head's lead on the line from Top Road. In a three way duel for the ages, Admire Vega had shone as the brightest of all. As Opera O went too early with Wada, Watanabe was also too fixated onto passing them<ref name=":1" /> and had only realized his mistake when it was too late, and Take rode calmly and precisely to catch both of them. Watanabe, who wanted to make his mentor, trainer Oki, a Derby trainer more than himself a Derby jockey, had fell just short<ref name=":1" />. Despite Oki saying that he had no regrets and Watanabe did great, Watanabe himself was seen with tears after the race<ref name=":2" />.

	==== Kikuka Sho: The Top and the Chrysanthemum Crown ====		==== Kikuka Sho: The Top and the Chrysanthemum Crown ====
	Narita Top Road rested in Hokkaido over the summer, and returned to start training in Hakodate for the Autumn season. Their first race back was the Kyoto Shinbun Hai (G2), a trial race for the Kikuka Sho, where they once again faced off against Admire Vega. Top Road was again the favorite, racing in the middle to swing out on the final corner, and Admire Vega followed to pass by a head, like a recreation of the derby. However, with this loss, Watanabe had changed. He thought he can't race the same way again or he will lose in the Kikuka Sho<ref name=":4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTjsBd1pclE</ref>. He collected his thoughts and cleared his head for the final leg of the 1999 classics, deciding to race on his own terms, staying closer the front to use the Top Road's long spurt.		Narita Top Road rested in Hokkaido over the summer, and returned to start training in Hakodate for the Autumn season. Their first race back was the Kyoto Shinbun Hai (G2), a trial race for the Kikuka Sho, where they once again faced off against Admire Vega. Top Road was again the favorite, racing in the middle to swing out on the final corner, and Admire Vega followed to pass by a head, like a recreation of the derby. However, with this loss, Watanabe had changed. He thought he can't race the same way again or he will lose in the Kikuka Sho<ref name=":4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTjsBd1pclE</ref>. He collected his thoughts and cleared his head for the final leg of the 1999 classics, deciding to race on his own terms, staying closer the front to use the Top Road's long spurt.

	Despite feeling like he can't lose out again, Watanabe was not overly nervous on the day of the Kikuka Sho<ref name=":2" />. Narita Top Road was the 3rd favorite behind the two crown holders, Admire Vega and T.M Opera O. Staying close to the front near the rail in an extremely slow paced first 2,~~000m~~, Watanabe ~~confirms~~ the position of the two favorites behind him, and uses the downslope of Kyoto to up the pace into the final corner turning for home. They are able to corner with minimal distance loss to stand at the front of the pack, while Wada on T.M. Opera O had to go far wide to chase them when he finally abandoned the mark onto Admire Vega. Alas, it was not enough. Narita Top Road and Watanabe finally stood at the top as the winners of the final leg of the classics. The crowd erupted into cheers and a chant for Watanabe, and he was finally able to give a great title to trainer Oki.		Despite feeling like he can't lose out again, Watanabe was not overly nervous on the day of the Kikuka Sho<ref name=":2" />. Narita Top Road was the 3rd favorite behind the two crown holders, Admire Vega and T.M Opera O. Staying close to the front near the rail in an extremely slow-paced first 2,000-meters, Watanabe confirmed the position of the two favorites behind him, and uses the downslope of Kyoto to up the pace into the final corner turning for home. They are able to corner with minimal distance loss to stand at the front of the pack, while Wada on T.M. Opera O had to go far wide to chase them when he finally abandoned the mark onto Admire Vega. Alas, it was not enough. Narita Top Road and Watanabe finally stood at the top as the winners of the final leg of the classics. The crowd erupted into cheers and a chant for Watanabe, and he was finally able to give a great title to trainer Oki.

	Perhaps the distance was too long for Admire Vega, who placed 6th in the race. He took a long rest afterwards and was diagnosed and subsequently retired from tendonitis, making this Kikuka Sho his last race.		Perhaps the distance was too long for Admire Vega, who placed 6th in the race. He took a long rest afterwards and was diagnosed and subsequently retired from tendonitis, making this Kikuka Sho his last race.
Line 102:		Line 102:

	==== Hanshin Daishoten: I am still here. ====		==== Hanshin Daishoten: I am still here. ====
	Taking the world record last year, Narita Top Road returned to the ~~3000m~~ Hanshin course as the definitive No.1 Favorite, even against last year's horse of the year Jungle Pocket. They took a mid pack position out of the gate and into the first lap, Narita Top Road moved up to right behind the pace setters, with Jungle Pocket stalking closely. However, there was no doubt in Narita Top Road as he clears a two length lead on the straight into the finish in front the four wide 2nd place fight, which went to Jungle Pocket. Jockey Watanabe said, "his performance in both the Kyoto Kinen and the Hanshin Daishoten were fantastic and I felt that this time might be the biggest chance we have."<ref name=":2" />		Taking the world record last year, Narita Top Road returned to the 3,000-meter Hanshin course as the definitive No.1 Favorite, even against last year's horse of the year Jungle Pocket. They took a mid pack position out of the gate and into the first lap, Narita Top Road moved up to right behind the pace setters, with Jungle Pocket stalking closely. However, there was no doubt in Narita Top Road as he clears a two length lead on the straight into the finish in front the four wide 2nd place fight, which went to Jungle Pocket. Jockey Watanabe said, "his performance in both the Kyoto Kinen and the Hanshin Daishoten were fantastic and I felt that this time might be the biggest chance we have."<ref name=":2" />

	==== Tenno Sho (Spring): Third Time's the Charm? ====		==== Tenno Sho (Spring): Third Time's the Charm? ====
Line 126:		Line 126:

	===Retirement, Breeding Career and Death===		===Retirement, Breeding Career and Death===
	Narita Top Road was retired after the 2002 Arima Kinen, and had a retirement ceremony held on ~~the~~ 19th ~~of January~~ in Kyoto Racecourse, where he wore his winning number 1 bib in the Kikuka Sho. He was running around with energy to spare.		Narita Top Road was retired after the 2002 Arima Kinen, and had a retirement ceremony held on January 19th in Kyoto Racecourse, where he wore his winning number 1 bib in the Kikuka Sho. He was running around with energy to spare.

	Winning the most G2s ever at the time<ref group="Note">Surpassed by Balance of Game in 2006</ref>, he also has the 2nd most earning in his generation over Meisho Doto, and is still the 3rd highest earning Japanese racehorse with 1 G1 win (after [[IRL:Cheval Grand\|Cheval Grand]] and Stay Gold)<ref>JRA Database</ref>.		Winning the most G2s ever at the time<ref group="Note">Surpassed by Balance of Game in 2006</ref>, he also has the 2nd most earning in his generation over Meisho Doto, and is still the 3rd highest earning Japanese racehorse with 1 G1 win (after [[IRL:Cheval Grand\|Cheval Grand]] and Stay Gold)<ref>JRA Database</ref>.

	After retirement, Narita Top Road was sent to Shadai Stallion Station to begin his stud duties. While they discovered a bladder stone in February 2005, he received surgery after the end of the breeding season on the 8th ~~of October~~. He passed away from acute heart failure on the 7th ~~of November~~, 2005, coincidentally, exactly 6 years after his Kikuka Sho victory<ref>https://www.radionikkei.jp/keiba_article/news/entry-133066.html</ref>. He left behind just three generations of offspring, the most notable of which, Bella Rheia, won the 2007 Flora Stakes and placed 2nd in the 2007 Japanese Oaks (Yushun Himba).		After retirement, Narita Top Road was sent to Shadai Stallion Station to begin his stud duties. While they discovered a bladder stone in February 2005, he received surgery after the end of the breeding season on the October 8th. He passed away from acute heart failure on the November 7th, 2005, coincidentally, exactly 6 years after his Kikuka Sho victory<ref>https://www.radionikkei.jp/keiba_article/news/entry-133066.html</ref>. He left behind just three generations of offspring, the most notable of which, Bella Rheia, won the 2007 Flora Stakes and placed 2nd in the 2007 Japanese Oaks (Yushun Himba).

	== Honors ==		== Honors ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:03, 1 April 2026
Line 38:		Line 38:

	=== Before Debut and the Two Year Old Season (1998) ===		=== Before Debut and the Two Year Old Season (1998) ===

	Owner Yamaji called trainer Yoshio Oki to the farm to pick foal with a stayer build, which would become Narita Top Road<ref name=":0">https://dic.pixiv.net/a/%E3%83%8A%E3%83%AA%E3%82%BF%E3%83%88%E3%83%83%E3%83%97%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89</ref>. His jockey would be Kunihiko Watanabe, a young jockey with just five years of experience.		Owner Yamaji called trainer Yoshio Oki to the farm to pick foal with a stayer build, which would become Narita Top Road<ref name=":0">https://dic.pixiv.net/a/%E3%83%8A%E3%83%AA%E3%82%BF%E3%83%88%E3%83%83%E3%83%97%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89</ref>. His jockey would be Kunihiko Watanabe, a young jockey with just five years of experience.

	Narita Top Road debuted on the 5th of December, 1998. He was the favorite but took a close 2nd place. He was able to secure his first victory in another newcomer race the same month on the 27th. It was said that he was rushing both races, and had a bleed at the corners of the mouth from being pulled back.<ref name=":1">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kewI8XJAt-M</ref>		Narita Top Road debuted on the 5th of December, 1998. He was the favorite but took a close 2nd place. He was able to secure his first victory in another newcomer race the same month on the 27th. It was said that he was rushing both races, and had a bleed at the corners of the mouth from being pulled back.<ref name=":1">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kewI8XJAt-M</ref>

	=== Road to the Top: the Three-Year-Old Season (1999) ===		=== Road to the Top: the Three-Year-Old Season (1999) ===

	After the turn of the year, Narita Top Road's first race of the season was the Fukujiso Tokubetsu, two weeks after his win at the newcomers race. Trainer Oki, who was concerned about the eagerness of the horse, told jockey Watanabe to pay attention to riding in harmony. Despite only getting 3rd, Top Road was said to have learnt the rhythm of Watanabe, and never had a mouth corner bleed again, and Watanabe also had no more struggles riding him<ref name=":2">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zeU3ysp_V8</ref>. Their next race was the Kisaragi Sho (G3), despite a jump up in class, just a head ahead from overwhelming favorite Eishin Cameron, the two managed snatched both the first graded win for both horse and jockey. Watanabe commented on Top Road's strong fighting spirit, and says the performance was better than the margin indicated.		After the turn of the year, Narita Top Road's first race of the season was the Fukujiso Tokubetsu, two weeks after his win at the newcomers race. Trainer Oki, who was concerned about the eagerness of the horse, told jockey Watanabe to pay attention to riding in harmony. Despite only getting 3rd, Top Road was said to have learnt the rhythm of Watanabe, and never had a mouth corner bleed again, and Watanabe also had no more struggles riding him<ref name=":2">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zeU3ysp_V8</ref>. Their next race was the Kisaragi Sho (G3), despite a jump up in class, just a head ahead from overwhelming favorite Eishin Cameron, the two managed snatched both the first graded win for both horse and jockey. Watanabe commented on Top Road's strong fighting spirit, and says the performance was better than the margin indicated.

Line 88:		Line 87:

	==== Kyoto Daishoten: The Fall ====		==== Kyoto Daishoten: The Fall ====
	With the team deciding to rest him until the autumn season to again tend to his chronic periostitis, Narita Top Road returns to the turf at the Kyoto Daishoten(G2). Once again facing T.M. Opera O with the inclusion of 7 year old Dubai Sheema Classic (G2) winner [[IRL:Stay Gold\|Stay Gold]], they're in a small field of just 7 horses. Narita Top Road has grown over the summer, and trainer Oki said that he felt like he had changed as much as when he was still growing in his 2 year old season<ref name=":2" />, giving the team much confidence entering this race against his eternal rival. Turning into the final straight parallel in front, Narita Top Road finds himself between Opera O and Stay Gold trying to pass him. Just as Stay Gold has gotten past him, he would swerve left into the path of Narita Top Road, who was neck and neck with T.M. Opera O on the straight. Being impeded, Narita Top Road trips and sends jockey Watanabe tumbling over him and onto the Kyoto turf. As Stay Gold passes the post with T.M. Opera O three quarter lengths behind, the blue lamp for ~~stewardess~~' review lights up. Stay Gold would be disqualified, and T.M. Opera O was the "winner" of the race. T.M. Opera O's fall from grace was slow but unmistakable, but Narita Top Road himself just got a much bigger issue.		With the team deciding to rest him until the autumn season to again tend to his chronic periostitis, Narita Top Road returns to the turf at the Kyoto Daishoten(G2). Once again facing T.M. Opera O with the inclusion of 7 year old Dubai Sheema Classic (G2) winner [[IRL:Stay Gold\|Stay Gold]], they're in a small field of just 7 horses. Narita Top Road has grown over the summer, and trainer Oki said that he felt like he had changed as much as when he was still growing in his 2 year old season<ref name=":2" />, giving the team much confidence entering this race against his eternal rival. Turning into the final straight parallel in front, Narita Top Road finds himself between Opera O and Stay Gold trying to pass him. Just as Stay Gold has gotten past him, he would swerve left into the path of Narita Top Road, who was neck and neck with T.M. Opera O on the straight. Being impeded, Narita Top Road trips and sends jockey Watanabe tumbling over him and onto the Kyoto turf. As Stay Gold passes the post with T.M. Opera O three quarter lengths behind, the blue lamp for stewards' review lights up. Stay Gold would be disqualified, and T.M. Opera O was the "winner" of the race. T.M. Opera O's fall from grace was slow but unmistakable, but Narita Top Road himself just got a much bigger issue.

	Jockey Watanabe ached from the heart even more than with his body, "I felt so terrible for putting him through that experience"<ref name=":2" />, "It was preventable, but I was too occupied trying to win.<ref name=":3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QvWhvs6ZWI</ref>" Although Narita Top Road was fine physically through screening, he was undoubtably shaken by the incident. He had stood still, unwilling to move in his stable in Kyoto, and had to be pushed into the truck to transport him back to Ritto. Trainer Oki had worried, "it could be the end of this horse's life as a racer.<ref name=":2" />" The team took their time to slowly ease away his trauma, ultimately having to pull out from the Tenno Sho (Autumn).		Jockey Watanabe ached from the heart even more than with his body, "I felt so terrible for putting him through that experience"<ref name=":2" />, "It was preventable, but I was too occupied trying to win.<ref name=":3">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QvWhvs6ZWI</ref>" Although Narita Top Road was fine physically through screening, he was undoubtably shaken by the incident. He had stood still, unwilling to move in his stable in Kyoto, and had to be pushed into the truck to transport him back to Ritto. Trainer Oki had worried, "it could be the end of this horse's life as a racer.<ref name=":2" />" The team took their time to slowly ease away his trauma, ultimately having to pull out from the Tenno Sho (Autumn).
Line 103:		Line 102:
	Narita Top Road was retired after the 2002 Arima Kinen, and had a retirement ceremony held on the 19th of January in Kyoto Racecourse, where he would wear his winning number 1 in the Kikuka Sho. Winning the most G2s ever at the time<ref group="Note">Surpassed by Balance of Game in 2006</ref>, he also has the 2nd most earning in his generation over Meisho Doto, and is still the 3rd highest earning Japanese racehorse with 1 G1 win (after [[IRL:Cheval Grand\|Cheval Grand]] and Stay Gold)<ref>JRA Database</ref>.		Narita Top Road was retired after the 2002 Arima Kinen, and had a retirement ceremony held on the 19th of January in Kyoto Racecourse, where he would wear his winning number 1 in the Kikuka Sho. Winning the most G2s ever at the time<ref group="Note">Surpassed by Balance of Game in 2006</ref>, he also has the 2nd most earning in his generation over Meisho Doto, and is still the 3rd highest earning Japanese racehorse with 1 G1 win (after [[IRL:Cheval Grand\|Cheval Grand]] and Stay Gold)<ref>JRA Database</ref>.

	After retirement, Narita Top Road was sent to Shadai Stallion Station to begin his stud duties. While they discovered a bladder stone in February 2005, he received surgery after the end of the breeding season on the 8th of October. He passed away from acute heart failure on the 7th of November, 2005, coincidentally, exactly 6 years after his Kikuka Sho victory<ref>https://www.radionikkei.jp/keiba_article/news/entry-133066.html</ref>. He left behind just three generations of offspring, the most notable of which, ~~Belle~~ Rheia, won the Flora Stakes and placed 2nd in the Japanese Oaks (Yushun Himba).		After retirement, Narita Top Road was sent to Shadai Stallion Station to begin his stud duties. While they discovered a bladder stone in February 2005, he received surgery after the end of the breeding season on the 8th of October. He passed away from acute heart failure on the 7th of November, 2005, coincidentally, exactly 6 years after his Kikuka Sho victory<ref>https://www.radionikkei.jp/keiba_article/news/entry-133066.html</ref>. He left behind just three generations of offspring, the most notable of which, Bella Rheia, won the 2007 Flora Stakes and placed 2nd in the 2007 Japanese Oaks (Yushun Himba).

	== Honors ==		== Honors ==
Line 160:		Line 159:
	* Though not considered related in horse racing, Narita Top Road shares the same maternal grandfather as Meisho Doto, Affirmed.		* Though not considered related in horse racing, Narita Top Road shares the same maternal grandfather as Meisho Doto, Affirmed.
	* Narita Top Road was described as a horse with good looks, and he had a lot of female fans.<ref name=":3" />		* Narita Top Road was described as a horse with good looks, and he had a lot of female fans.<ref name=":3" />
	* Jockey Watanabe and T.M. Opera O's jockey Wada were acquainted before they raced on the track as they were in the horse racing school together (two years apart), and since they were from the same city, actually went to the same elementary school together as well<ref name=":1" />.		* Jockey Kunihiko Watanabe and T.M. Opera O's jockey Ryuji Wada were acquainted before they raced on the track as they were in the horse racing school together (two years apart), and since they were from the same city, actually went to the same elementary school together as well<ref name=":1" />.
	* Watanabe is described as a hardcore anime otaku, who got banned from microtransactions by his wife. He actively watches anime and also engages with Umamusume.		* Watanabe is described as a hardcore anime otaku, who got banned from microtransactions by his wife. He actively watches anime and also engages with Umamusume.
	** He uses the Umamusume Narita Top Road as his LINE profile picture.<ref name=":1" />		** He uses the Umamusume Narita Top Road as his LINE profile picture.<ref name=":1" />