Pyromancer refuses to be denied in Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun

Pyromancer maintained his unbeaten record and proved himself as Japan’s top juvenile on dirt with a resolute victory in the Jpn G1 Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun at Kawasaki on Wednesday, 17 December.

Making a first NAR appearance following a pair of wins at Kyoto, the Keiji Yoshimura-trained colt pressed for the early lead in the mile highlight before racing in a three-quarter length second as Idaten Shacho led the nine runners.

Pyromancer and Best Green moved up to challenge for the lead turning in and the duo went clear early in the straight, with the Godolphin runner gamely responding for Mirai Iwata to assert inside the final furlong following a sustained battle.

Having opened up a length advantage in the final strides, Pyromancer saw his lead eroded by Tamamo Freesia, who flashed home to get to within a neck at the line.

Pyromancer’s victory earns the son of Pyro 20 Kentucky Derby points and the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun has proved a springboard for international success, with Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Forever Young and UAE Derby scorer Derma Sotogake on the recent roll of honour.

Harry Sweeney, President of Godolphin in Japan, said: “What a great way to end the year! We started in early January with Lemon Pop being crowned Champion Dirt Horse for 2024 and now, at the end of December, we are in the position where Pyromancer will be Champion Two-Year-Old Colt on dirt.

“It was a brilliant success by a horse who is unbeaten. We were a little concerned about bringing Pyromancer back in trip from nine furlongs to a mile, but he coped very well. It was also his first time travelling to the races, but he managed very well with the five-hour journey. He is a big, strong, scopey horse and we feel that he will improve with time.

“Our immediate plan will be the UAE Derby. We will see how he comes out of the race before making a decision whether he will run again beforehand or go straight there. Today was also his first time running under lights and night-time racing, so hopefully that experience might stand him in good stead at the end of March. More immediately, he will go back to our satellite in Okayama.

“It is great for our home team, with Pyromancer being a homebred horse by Pyro, who has been a very consistent dirt sire in Japan. We are having our Bonenkai, the Japanese end-of-year party, tomorrow and Pyromancer’s win will ensure everybody is in great spirits.”