2024 Mile Championship: Group 1 Review
Venue: Kyoto Racecourse
Distance: 1600m
Value: ¥388,800,000 (US$2,519,195)
The mile division is always one of the most open in Japan and so it was only fitting that one of its standard bearers over the last two seasons, Soul Rush, finally scored a maiden Group 1 title in the Mile Championship at Kyoto.
The Yasutoshi Ikee-trained Soul Rush ensured that both of Japan’s open Group 1 races at a mile did not go abroad in 2024 after Romantic Warrior took the G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) in June. Among the vanquished was Europe’s best miler Charyn, winner of three Group 1 races between the UK and France this year; he finished fifth at his final start before heading to stud.
Rider Taisei Danno, who began the trek from Bahrain on Friday to make it back to Kyoto by Sunday, was cheered wildly by the crowd as he won his second Group 1 title, having recorded his first in last year’s G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1200m) on First Force.
The Race
Charyn found himself outpaced from the outset, with Ryan Moore riding him vigorously in the early stages. That highlights the difference between races in Europe and much of the rest of the world – the first 100 metres will often be run at a far more solid tempo in Asia – and in hindsight, it was always going to be difficult for him to find his usual prominent or stalking position.
Pressure came through the likes of Labelling, Nihonpiro Kyiv and Win Marvel before long-priced Balsam Note kicked through to lead. What appeared a steady tempo quickly turned into a strongly run affair with a speedy first 600m of 33.8 seconds and a slick first 1000m of 57.5 seconds.
With such a fast tempo, it’s no surprise that the race changed complexion early in the straight. The key action developed out wide on the track as Win Marvel first raced up to the lead before Danno sluiced between runners on Soul Rush.
The winner sprinted away from his rivals as Elton Barows, Win Marvel and Brede Weg battled it out for second while Charyn charged into fifth.
The Celebration
Danno was fined ¥50,000 (US$324) after standing up in the irons well before the post, but that will do little to dampen his excitement after registering a career highlight.
The Beaten Favourite
Brede Weg had the weight of public support, having only raced once since taking the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2200m) here at Kyoto last year. It was her first time dropping to the mile, having only raced at 1800m and beyond.
While she quickened late she was ultimately outpaced and a step back up in trip should be to her liking.
The Visitor
Credit to trainer Roger Varian and owner Nurlan Bizakov for chancing their arm with Charyn, who became the first foreign-trained runner in the Mile Championship since Sahpresa 13 years ago.
Charyn was in a difficult position after being outpaced early, but he found himself in the right part of the track at the business end of the race. He was strongest through the line late but the winner Soul Rush was already off and gone.
He leaves with his reputation solidified, if not enhanced, and will head to Sumbe in Normandy to begin his career at stud.
The Defending Champion
There were concerning scenes as Cristian Demuro dismounted from Namur shortly past the post. The mare had made ground along the inside in the early and middle stages, but Brede Weg raced right on by at the 250m.
Demuro reported that she didn’t feel quite right in her action, but vets subsequently examined her and Carrot Club representatives reported that there was nothing amiss.
Since winning this race last year, Namur has been placed in the Yasuda Kinen, Dubai Turf and Hong Kong Mile – in addition to her podium finishes in the Yushun Himba and Shuka Sho at three – and will be a tremendous broodmare prospect, regardless of whether she races again.
The Quote
Taisei Danno (Soul Rush, 1st): “I feel fantastic. After leaving the barrier, we found ourselves in a position towards the back, but considering the presence of some great rivals, we expected to be left behind at the start. From there, the horse settled into a good rhythm, and we were able to run a solid race. I believe that contributed to his strong finish at the end. During the Milers Cup, the trainer had warned me that he has a habit of losing focus once he takes the lead, but now he has matured and is in his prime. Today, even after taking the lead, he extended away really nicely.
“Since receiving the request to ride this time, I have been determined to achieve a result. I believe that maintaining that determination and being able to approach raceday with a good attitude contributed to this great outcome.”
Christophe Lemaire (Brede Weg, 4th): “She ran a good race, but her response in the straight was slightly slower than usual at this shorter distance. She’s not yet accustomed to the 1600 metres, and the rhythm of the race was a bit different. Her condition was perfect, though. I believe it was a good experience for her.”
Nurlan Bizakov (Owner, Charyn, 5th): “Beyond proud of Charyn today and always, even though he did not end his brilliant career on a winning note. Luck was not on our side today, but he showed once again why he is a true champion. Excited for his next chapter as a stallion, passing on his talent and personality to the next generation. Today was not a loss – it was a legacy in the making.
The Future
Soul Rush is entered for the Hong Kong Mile, with a decision pending on his participation. Maurice was the last to complete the Mile Championship/Hong Kong Mile double, back in 2015 ∎
