Fujioka Subs For Injured Moore, Guides Namur To Mile Championship Win Against Males
Namur, under last-minute stand-in Kota Fujioka, comes from behind to win the Mile Championship (G1) in a thriller
Namur captured her long-awaited first Grade 1 victory in the $2,968,000 Mile Championship Sunday at Kyoto Racecourse, trouncing males under last-minute replacement jockey Kota Fujioka, riding in place of Ryan Moore, who was injured when he fell from a mount earlier on the card.
The 4-year-old Harbinger filly registered her first graded stakes victory in the Tulip Sho last year and subsequently placed in a pair of Japanese classics: third in the Yushun Himba (G1) (Japanese Oaks) and second in the Shuka Sho (G1).
While under par in her two Grade 1 starts this spring, in which she finished seventh and 16th, she kicked off her fall campaign with a Grade 2 triumph in the Fuji Stakes on Oct. 21, prior to the Mile Championship, which she won with a come-from-behind rally in a thrilling finish.
Breaking from the outermost gate in the field of 16, Namur bolted out of the gate but was quickly under control and held back off the pace, two wide and positioned in front of favorite Schnell Meister near the rear. As the field began to close in on the leader approaching the final corner, Namur made headway together with Schnell Meister and came charging from behind. Showing a terrific turn of speed on the outside, she mowed down rivals and pinned front-runner Soul Rush in the shadow of the post.
Namur won by a neck and finished the journey in 1:32.5 on good to firm turf.
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Soul Rush held on for second, and Justin Cafe was third, another half-length back.
“(Replacing Ryan Moore who fell earlier in the day) I’d seen how the filly raced before and was aware of her ability in addition to receiving advice and information from the trainer (Tomokazu Takano) as well as (Joao) Moreira), who had ridden her in her last start, so I was positive going into the race and just concentrated on keeping her relaxed," Fujioka said. "The break didn’t go very smoothly, but she was in good rhythm once settling into the race and responded well, so I knew we could get a good run as long as I did my job of getting her into a good spot at the straight—from there she really showed her strength.”
Third choice Soul Rush was rated in mid-division, around 11th, just off the rails. The son of Rulership split horses and loomed into contention at early stretch, already assuming command at the 200-meter mark. The 5-year-old maintained his lead while driven out then was caught just before the wire although holding off the fast-closing third-place finisher Justin Cafe.
Justin Cafe raced outside Soul Rush around 12th, parted with that foe as the son of Epiphaneia chose to go wider into the straight, losing some ground and slower to get into gear while showing equally good turn of foot to threaten the leader while outrun by the winner.
Schnell Meister, despite showing calmness both in the paddock and in the post parade, was rank once inside the starting gate, standing on his hind twice then missed his break. Having to travel at the very rear early, the son of Kingman angled out passing the 800-meter pole to close the gap while still well behind entering the home stretch. Though driven to follow the winner, who geared up for the stretch run in front of him, the 5-year-old bay failed to respond and finished seventh.
Namur is campaigned by Carrot Farm Co. Ltd. Bred by Northern Farm, her dam is the Daiwa Major mare Sambre et Meuse, a half-sister to 2021 Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) winner Marche Lorraine.
