Steppenwolf becomes first 2024 freshman sire to win a graded stakes
Friday, 23 August, 2024 22:36
Steppenwolf (C)Netkeiba
On August 21st, at Hokkaido Mombetsu Regional Racing, Zero Hour, sired by Steppenwolf, claimed victory in the 11th Fleur Cup, marking Steppenwolf's first graded stakes win as a stallion. This achievement makes Steppenwolf the first among the 37 freshman sires of 2024 to produce a graded stakes winner.
Steppenwolf was bred by Hakutsu Bokujo in Niikappu, Hokkaido. He is by South Vigorous out of Deep Kiss, whose sire was Agnes Tachyon. His grand-dam, Mejiro Kammuri, was the runner-up in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup, and his lineage includes notable horses such as Mejiro Eagle and Mejiro Ardan.
During his racing career, Steppenwolf debuted in Hokkaido Regional Racing, winning his first race by coming from mid-pack as the favourite. He performed well in graded stakes, finishing third in the Eikan Sho and fifth in the Breeders Gold Junior Cup. After securing his second win in the Opal Tokubetsu in his sixth start, he transferred to South Kanto Regional Racing, where he captured his first graded stakes victory in the 2019 Jpn 2 Keihin Hai. He also finished third in the Jpn 1 Haneda Hai. His career record stands at 12 starts with 5 wins, 2 seconds, and 3 thirds.
After retiring from racing, Steppenwolf stood at stud at Shinsei Farm in Hidaka, Hokkaido. Zero Hour was the only foal born in his first crop, and there are no records of him being used for breeding since then.
Steppenwolf was bred by Hakutsu Bokujo in Niikappu, Hokkaido. He is by South Vigorous out of Deep Kiss, whose sire was Agnes Tachyon. His grand-dam, Mejiro Kammuri, was the runner-up in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup, and his lineage includes notable horses such as Mejiro Eagle and Mejiro Ardan.
During his racing career, Steppenwolf debuted in Hokkaido Regional Racing, winning his first race by coming from mid-pack as the favourite. He performed well in graded stakes, finishing third in the Eikan Sho and fifth in the Breeders Gold Junior Cup. After securing his second win in the Opal Tokubetsu in his sixth start, he transferred to South Kanto Regional Racing, where he captured his first graded stakes victory in the 2019 Jpn 2 Keihin Hai. He also finished third in the Jpn 1 Haneda Hai. His career record stands at 12 starts with 5 wins, 2 seconds, and 3 thirds.
After retiring from racing, Steppenwolf stood at stud at Shinsei Farm in Hidaka, Hokkaido. Zero Hour was the only foal born in his first crop, and there are no records of him being used for breeding since then.