Orfevre, whose connections skipped the Japan Cup (Jpn-I) one month ago to concentrate on the Arima Kinen, concludes his racing career as Japan’s second-highest top earner with a bankroll ¥1,576,213,000 ($15,087,709), ranking only behind all-time leading earner T.M.Opera O.
Japanese star Orfevre bowed out of racing in fine style Dec. 22 when winning the Arima Kinen (Jpn-I) by a commanding eight lengths at Nakayama.
The 5-year-old son of Stay Gold was all business as the on-track crowd of 124,782 roared when he swept from near the back of the 16-horse field around the final turn to take charge at the top of the straight. From there, the question was not would he win, but by how many lengths.
Orfevre wins the Arima Kinen.
“I tried to focus on how to settle the horse and to keep him in good rhythm instead of where to position him or anything about the other horses,” Kenichi Ikezoe said. “He was a bit keen to go, but I kept him reserved behind Gold Ship hoping he would stay settled.
Bred by Shadai Corp. and owned by Sunday Racing Co., Orfevre is to begin his stallion career at Shadai Stallion Station in Hokkaido.
Orfevre following his Arima Kinen (Grand Prix) win.
Orfevre goes out a champion in front of tens of thousands of screaming fans.
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