Karate, ridden by Akira Sugawara, won the G3 Niigata Daishoten on Sunday in a thriller. The pair travelled towards the rear of the field and saved stamina on the heavy ground. As Seiun Hades drew away from the pack in the home stretch, Karate made a late challenge and ultimately caught up to Seiun Hades to win the Niigata Daishoten by 3/4 length.

Explosion finished third, eight lengths behind the pair and the favourite of the race Spider Gold finished a disappointing 16th.

Karate is a son of To The Glory out of Lady No Punch, by French Deputy. This is his first race after coming back from a five-month break and a third graded title for Karate.