The horse that broke records and moved a nation to tears

Society · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In the high-stakes world of Japanese Thoroughbred racing, Croix du Nord emerged as a dominant force in 2024. From setting course records to securing historic ratings, his journey from an immature debutant to a Grade 1 champion offers a masterclass in athletic progression and public fascination.

Born on March 21, 2022, Croix du Nord entered the racing scene with significant pedigree. Rising Cross, his dam, was a British mare of small build—standing only 14.3 hands—who excelled during middle and long-distance races. Despite his lineage, Croix du Nord faced early scrutiny; during his debut on June 9, 2024, at Tokyo Racecourse, he appeared 'somewhat immature' in the paddock. Nevertheless, he refuted doubters by establishing an 1800-metre turf record for two-year-olds, matching the quickest maiden debut ever logged at that venue.

His ascent was marked by consistent growth and high-pressure performances. By November 2024, he had gained 24 kg since his debut, helping him secure a Grade 2 victory in the Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes. He followed this with a dominant win in the Hopeful Stakes, where he won by two lengths—the largest margin for that race since it was elevated to Grade 1 status in 2017. His performance earned him an official rating of 117 pounds, tying the record for the highest-ever two-year-old rating.

The horse's impact extended beyond statistics into cultural significance. In May 2026, he topped the polls for the Takarazuka Kinen with a record-breaking 366,039 votes out of over 4 million valid entries. His career highlights include winning the Tōkyō Yūshun (Japanese Derby) and becoming the first horse to be nominated for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe while also being entered in the Spring Triple Crown pursuit. For his jockey, Yuichi Kitamura, these victories provided an emotional pinnacle, marking a return to Grade 1 glory after years of challenging setbacks.

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