Pyromancer collared late in G3 Leopard Stakes

Pyromancer was caught on the line as he went down by a head to Coeli Vento on his first Japanese appearance of the year in the G3 Leopard Stakes at Niigata on Sunday, 9 August.   

The Pyro colt, who ended 2025 as his country’s top juvenile on dirt following success in the Jpn-G1 Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun, was returning from a break after finishing third in the G2 UAE Derby on Dubai World Cup Night.   

Having shown good speed from the gates, Pyromancer raced in a close third on the outside of Don Erectus and Hishi Amoureuse before settling in second as Don Erectus went on into a length and a half advantage after the first three furlongs.   

Pyromancer and Mercantour tracked Don Erectus and attempted to challenge turning in, with the leader kicking on at the top of the straight.   

Mirai Iwata galvanised Pyromancer and the Keiji Yoshimura-trained runner responded well to grab the lead entering the final furlong and see off the persistent Mercantour, only for Coeli Vento to flash home and get up in the final stride of the nine-furlong contest.   

Harry Sweeney, President of Godolphin in Japan, said: “It was a pleasing run back by Pyromancer. He has strengthened up considerably for the break and weighed in 21kg heavier compared to his spring races. He battled well but tired close home.   

“Pyromancer is a very consistent performer and has never been out of the top three. We believe that he will continue to improve as he matures.”