The grand prix for this first half of the season, the G1 Takarazuka Kinen, held on a heavy track, was won by third favourite Blow the Horn, who surged powerfully along the outside rail to claim his first G1 title. In his sixth year of his career, jockey Akira Sugawara celebrated his maiden G1 victory, as did trainer Tatsuya Yoshioka, also in his sixth year of training. Sol Oriens finished second, and fifth favourite Bellagio Opera came in third. The winning time was 2:12.0. The race's top favourite, Do Deuce, finished sixth, while the second favourite Justin Palace ended up tenth.

A beaming Sugawara expressed his joy, saying, "I'm incredibly happy. I'm filled with gratitude towards the owner and all the connections who have continued to support me." He elaborated on the race, "I planned to listen to the horse after the gate opened. He wasn't troubled by a heavy track and ran as usual. When I saw Rousham Park moving up on the backstretch, I decided to go with him. By the fourth corner, I still had plenty in hand, so I just urged him on in the straight, hoping he'd pass the others. I owe everything to this horse."

Reflecting on his long-awaited G1 victory, Sugawara said, "I was very determined to win a G1 this year, and I'm relieved I did it. There's still a lot I need to learn, and I want to grow together with this horse. There are more G1 races ahead, and if given the chance, I'd love to keep riding and striving for success with him."