Just retired champion mare Gentildonna, who ended her brilliant career with a victory in the G1 Arima Kinen last month, has been crowned Japan’s Horse of the Year for 2014.
It is the second time the honour has been bestowed on Gentildonna. She won the award in 2012 when she completed the fillies Triple Crown.
Her trainer Sei Ishizaka said: “I’m honoured to receive this award. She was excellent when winning the Dubai Sheema Classic and then she ruled them all in the Arima Kinen.”
Gentildonna, a dual Japan Cup winner, has arrived at Northern Farm in Hokkaido.
She is to be served by King Kamehameha in her first season.
“She will be under lots of pressure as a broodmare,” added Ishizaka. “I want her to be fine and happy forever."
Japan Racing Association award winners
Horse of the Year: Gentildonna (Sei Ishizaka)
Best 2yo Colt: Danon Platina (Sakae Kunieda)Best 2yo Filly: Shonan Adela (Yoshitaka Ninomiya)
Best 3yo Colt: Isla Bonita (Hironori Kurita)Best 3yo Filly: Harp Star (Hiroyoshi Matsuda)
Best 4yo+ Horse: Just A Way (Naosuke Sugai)Best 4yo+ Mare: Gentildonna (Sei Ishizaka)
Best Sprinter: Snow Dragon (Noboru Takagi)Best Dirt Horse: Hokko Tarumae (Katsuichi Nishiura)
