The Japan Racing Association announced on the 25th that the 2019 G1 Japanese Derby winner, Roger Barows, passed away on the 25th. He was eight years old.

Roger Barows, trained by Kazuya Nakatake, debuted in August 2018 at Niigata. After his fourth start, he moved to Katsuhiko Sumii's stable, where he remained until Sumii's retirement in 2021. Entering the Japanese Derby with two wins from five starts, he was a long shot at odds of 93.1 to 1, ranking as the 12th favourite. However, under the guidance of jockey Suguru Hamanaka, he defied expectations by breaking from the second position and pulling off a major upset. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with a superficial flexor tendon injury in his right foreleg, which led to his retirement following the race. Subsequently, he stood at stud at Arrow Stud in Shin Hidaka and later at East Stud in Urakawa, Hokkaido.

Hamanaka, who partnered with Roger Barows for their memorable Derby victory, expressed his sorrow, "It was so sudden that I was shocked and deeply saddened. Roger Barows fulfilled the dream of winning the Derby, a significant achievement. He will always be well remembered. It is very unfortunate, but I hope many successful offspring will emerge from amongst his progeny."