The story of Hayayakko and the white coated family in JRA
Wednesday, 31 July, 2024 16:30
Hayayakko (C)netkeiba
In recent years, it has become increasingly common to see white-coated horses thriving on the big stage. However, it was only five years ago that the first white horse claimed a graded stakes victory in the Japan Racing Association (JRA). That trailblazing horse was not Sodashi, but the still-active Hayayakko. In 2019, Hayayakko, as a 10th favourite, won the G3 Leopard Stakes, marking a new chapter in the history of white-coated horses.
Hayayakko's pedigree is impressive, by King Kamehameha out of Marshmallow, with Kurofune as the dam sire. His grand-dam is Shirayukihime, the matriarch of the white-coated family. Hayayakko is a cousin to notable horses like Sodashi and Mama Cocha and an uncle to Meikei Yell.
Initially running on turf as a two-year-old, Hayayakko found his stride after switching to dirt in his fourth race. He made a significant impact by winning the Leopard Stakes, defying his 10th-favourite status with a powerful come-from-behind victory. This win made him the second white-coated horse to win a graded stakes, following his aunt Yukichan, and the first to do so in a JRA race.
Hayayakko continued to excel, winning the Listed Brazil Cup as a four-year-old and the Open Class Sleipnir Stakes as a five-year-old, showcasing his prowess in mid-distance dirt races. At six, he switched back to turf and made history by becoming the first white-coated horse to win JRA graded stakes on both surfaces with his victory in the G3 Hakodate Kinen. His unique characteristics and achievements have garnered him a dedicated fanbase.
Though his last two races have resulted in double-digit finishes, Hayayakko still has the potential to succeed under the right conditions. Fans eagerly await the day when this eight-year-old white-coated horse will once again be celebrated in the winner's circle.
Hayayakko's pedigree is impressive, by King Kamehameha out of Marshmallow, with Kurofune as the dam sire. His grand-dam is Shirayukihime, the matriarch of the white-coated family. Hayayakko is a cousin to notable horses like Sodashi and Mama Cocha and an uncle to Meikei Yell.
Initially running on turf as a two-year-old, Hayayakko found his stride after switching to dirt in his fourth race. He made a significant impact by winning the Leopard Stakes, defying his 10th-favourite status with a powerful come-from-behind victory. This win made him the second white-coated horse to win a graded stakes, following his aunt Yukichan, and the first to do so in a JRA race.
Hayayakko continued to excel, winning the Listed Brazil Cup as a four-year-old and the Open Class Sleipnir Stakes as a five-year-old, showcasing his prowess in mid-distance dirt races. At six, he switched back to turf and made history by becoming the first white-coated horse to win JRA graded stakes on both surfaces with his victory in the G3 Hakodate Kinen. His unique characteristics and achievements have garnered him a dedicated fanbase.
Though his last two races have resulted in double-digit finishes, Hayayakko still has the potential to succeed under the right conditions. Fans eagerly await the day when this eight-year-old white-coated horse will once again be celebrated in the winner's circle.