On Sunday, First Force with Taisei Danno in the saddle won the 1200 metre Takamatsunomiya Kinen in difficult conditions at Chukyo Racecourse. The pair travelled prominently throughout and utilized fresher ground towards the centre of the track to storm clear in the final furlong.

Namura Clair made a late challenge but had to settle for second place, one length behind the winner. Travesura claimed third, whilst the heavily fancied, race favourite, Meikei Yell finished in a disappointing 12th place.

First Force is a seven-year-old son of sprinting superstar Lord Kanaloa out of the multiple Graded-placed sprinter Rush Life. This was a first JRA-G1 crown for First Force, Taisei Danno and trainer Masayuki Nishimura.