Orfevre Elected to Japan Racing Hall of Fame

Orfevre, Japan's 2011 Horse of the Year and Triple Crown winner, has secured a spot in the Japan Racing Association Racing Hall of Fame. The son of Stay Gold, who was retired from racing at the close of his 2013 campaign, is the 31st horse to be inducted.

 

Orfevre, a 7-year-old out of the Mejiro McQueen mare Oriental Art, was bred by Shadai Corp. He is owned by Sunday Racing Co. and stands stud at Shadai Stallion Station in Hokkaido.

 

"I want to express my thanks for Orfevre being selected as a Hall of Fame inductee," said Shunsuke Yoshida of Sunday Racing Co. "It is a great honor to have him inducted into the Hall of Fame, to stand alongside other Triple Crown champions that have come before him.

 

"I would like for all those who contributed, to all connections, firstly trainer (Yasutoshi) Ikee, and the fans who cheered him on, to bask together in this glory."

 

Orfevre posted a 12-6-1 record from 21 career starts. Among his wins are six group I races, including the nation's Triple Crown comprised of the Satsuki Sho (Japanese Two Thousand Guineas), the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby), and the Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger). He secured six other wins at home as well, including two editions of the Arima Kinen (Jpn-I in 2011 and 2013) and the 2012 Takarazuka Kinen (Jpn-I). He missed the 2012 Japan Cup (Jpn-I) by a nose to Gentildonna.

 

In 2012 and 2013, Orfevre notched back-to-back second-place finishes in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) at Longchamp. 

 

"I think the memories that most stay with us are his 2012 run in the Prix l'Arc de Triomphe, when he came so close to achieving the pinnacle of racing (second by a neck to Solemia) and his last run Arima Kinen, a performance that (showed) just how big a cut above he was," Ikee said.

 

"He wasn't able to realize our dream of winning the Arc, but it is my belief that his children will carry on that dream and I ask you to please give your continued support to Orfevre in his new career at stud."

 

On Oct. 12, the 10th race on the card at Kyoto Racecourse, usually run as the Ohara Stakes, will be named the Hall of Fame Selection Memorial, Orfevre Memorial. An induction ceremony will be held the same day during the noon break in the Kyoto winner's circle.