Hayayakko (Horse, 9yo), who made history in 2019 by becoming the first white horse to win a JRA graded stakes in the Leopard Stakes and later added two more graded titles including last year's Copa Republica Argentina, has officially retired from racing. The decision follows an injury sustained during the Meguro Kinen on June 1st, in which he was pulled up mid-race. He was diagnosed with a partial rupture of the superficial flexor tendon in his right foreleg and has since been resting at the Miho Training Center.

Trainer Sakae Kunieda reflected on the horse's career, saying, "He had a lot of fans. I think the owner will decide what's next for him. It's unfortunate how it ended, but he gave his all for a long time."

Hayayakko will be officially retired from training on June 10th and is scheduled to move to Northern Farm Tennei in Fukushima.

By King Kamehameha out of Marshmallow (by Kurofune), Hayayakko hails from a prominent white-coated bloodline. His dam's is a sister to Buchiko, making him a cousin to fan-favourite Sodashi, the white mare who won three G1 titles.

He retires with a record of seven wins in forty-five race careers, including victories in the 2019 Leopard Stakes, 2022 Hakodate Kinen, and 2024 Copa Republica Argentina. His total career earnings are 306,140,000 JPY.