Nakayama Racecourse erupted with excitement on Saturday, 27th December, as a day packed with heart-stopping finishes and dazzling performances kept racing fans on the edge of their seats. The spotlight shone brightest on the two G1 feature races, The Nakayama Daishogai and The Hopeful Stakes, where Ecoro Duel and Lovcen surged past their rivals to claim unforgettable victories. From the opening bell to the final finish line, the day was a thrilling showcase of speed, stamina, and sheer determination.
Race 1 set the tone as Koji Hara, expertly guided by Miku Kobayashi and trained by Yuichiro Nishida, powered through to win in 1:12.5, thrilling owner Kentaro Yui and breeder Hidaka Farm. Admi and Tokoshieno Hitomi finished close behind.
In Race 2, Passage Peak, under Alexis Pouchin, surged to victory for trainer Yasuhito Tamura, owner Carrot Farm Co. Ltd., and breeder Northern Racing, clocking 1:54.6 while leaving Win Beginning and B B Agile trailing.
Race 3 was a display of precision and pace as Pataliputra, ridden by Kohei Matsuyama and trained by Ryo Takei, flew home in 1:11.7, besting Live Red Eye and Santo Mare for owner Kyoko Habata and breeder Yoshitaka Masumoto.
The drama continued in Race 4, where Pod Cross powered past Silver Gold and Ice and Snow in a 2:01.9 masterclass, guided by Kiwamu Ogino for trainer Masahiro Otake, owner Masao Ogawa, and breeder Shadai Farm.
Race 5 witnessed a thrilling sprint as Rule the Wave, ridden by Tom Marquand and trained by Keisuke Miyata, captured victory in 1:35.1. Owner Ryoichi Otsuka and breeder Northern Farm celebrated as L’Arlesienne and Fukuno Antares finished behind.
In Race 6, Gelato Kitty, with Rui Funayama in the saddle, charged ahead to finish in 1:11.9, leaving Ice Melting and Grandma’s Dream behind, thrilling Toho Bussan Co. Ltd. and breeder Yukiharu Takeshima.
Race 7 saw Wish Tree dominate with a 2:14.7 finish, guided by Keita Tosaki for trainer Keisuke Miyata, holding off Nocturne and Mid Century, while Race 8 crowned Midas, who surged under Tom Marquand, leaving Hawk Light and Lila Gale behind in a 1:53.9 display of power and speed.
The intensity escalated in Race 9 – BEST WISHES CUP, as Ambivalent, piloted by Yukito Ishikawa and trained by Kenta Fujino, blitzed to victory in 1:07.8, ahead of Smooth Velvet and Tamakazura, securing glory for owner Normandy Thoroughbred Racing Co. Ltd. and breeder Hekiun Bokujo.
Then came the pinnacle of the day. Race 10 – THE NAKAYAMA DAISHOGAI (J. G1) delivered edge-of-your-seat drama as Ecoro Duel, with Taro Kusano at the reins and trained by Takaki Iwato, powered through a grueling 4:46.8, leaving Neviim and Vehrenberg trailing in its wake. Owner Masatoshi Haramura and breeder Shimokobe Farm celebrated a G1 triumph that will linger in memory for years.
Race 11 – The Hopeful Stakes (G1) kept the excitement soaring as Lovcen, ridden by Kohei Matsuyama and trained by Haruki Sugiyama, finished in 2:01.0, ahead of Forte Angelo and Ask Edinburgh, securing glory for Forest Racing and breeder Northern Farm in a thrilling showcase of raw talent and precision.
The day wrapped up with Race 12 – GRATEFUL STAKES, where Mikuni Inspire, guided by Yuji Tannai and trained by Toru Hayashi, crossed the line in 2:35.5, leaving Amakihi and Rosa Sans Rival in pursuit, rewarding owner Mikuni Co. Ltd. and breeder Yoshitake Abe with the final prize of the day.
From start to finish, Nakayama Race Results 27 December was a spectacle of heart, speed, and unrelenting competition. With Ecoro Duel and Lovcen shining brightest, fans were treated to a day of unforgettable drama and world-class racing.
Nakayama Race Results 27 December showcase a spectacular day of heart-stopping action and G1 glory. For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz