Fast Network’s campaign in Japan was placed under review after the six-year-old finished 15th in the Centaur Stakes 2026, the Group 2 1200-metre feature at Hanshin on Sunday, September 6. Trainer Dennis Yip attributed the disappointing effort to a recurrence of the horse’s throat problem, which affected him over the final 200 metres.
Fast Network, a twice Group 1-placed performer, jumped well from barrier eight and settled close to the pace as Puro Magic established a sizeable lead over the main field. Flicker Jab remained a clear second before moving past Puro Magic inside the final 50 metres to score by one length.
Group 1 winner Mama Cocha finished third, while Fast Network weakened under jockey Damian Lane. Flicker Jab completed the 1200 metres in 1 minute 6.90 seconds.
Centaur Stakes 2026 raises concerns over Fast Network
Yip said Fast Network had travelled well for most of the race but had struggled to finish when the throat problem resurfaced over the final 200 metres.
He said Fast Network had jumped well but had only just stayed on over the final 200 metres. A post-race scope showed that the horse had suffered from the same problem previously.
Fast Network underwent surgery in May 2025 to release an epiglottic entrapment. The seven-time winner had returned to top-level competition and had most recently finished fourth behind Ka Ying Rising in the Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize over 1200 metres.
His declared bodyweight at Hanshin was 506kg, approximately 1,116lb, compared with his previous race weight of 1,178lb on FWD Champions Day in April.
The latest performance also raised questions over Fast Network’s participation in the Group 1 Sprinters Stakes over 1200 metres on September 27. The race had been identified as the major target of his Japanese campaign.
Yip said he would consult his veterinary team in Hong Kong before deciding on the horse’s next assignment.
He said the problem was similar to the one Fast Network had experienced last year and that he had already sent a video to his veterinarian. Yip added that he would not risk upsetting the horse if the issue remained unresolved.
Fast Network returned to the stable in good condition after the race, but Yip said the breathing difficulty had become apparent during the final 200 metres.
Lane also reported that Fast Network had travelled strongly before weakening late. The jockey said the horse had been slightly keen during the early stages before settling into a good rhythm.
Lane had expected a strong performance after Fast Network appeared in good condition before the race and felt well on his way to the starting gate.
The victory lifted Flicker Jab’s record to seven wins from 12 starts. His previous two successes had come at Group 3 and Group 2 level.
Centaur Stakes 2026 saw Fast Network finish 15th at Hanshin after a recurring throat issue affected his performance over the final 200 metres.
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