Shadai Farm has achieved remarkable results in recent G1 races with horses like Sol Oriens who is now aiming for a dual crown. A key feature of their training regime falls in their own training base and relay centre for racehorses in the Tohoku region, the Yamamoto Training Center. To uncover the secret behind the centre's success in producing one successful horse after another, I spoke with director Uemizu.

Currently, Shadai Farm is on fire. Even renowned stud farms that used to lead the industry struggled from 2019 to 2021 with no G1 victories in the JRA. However, since 2022, when the spring dual-Classic winner Stars On Earth and Kikuka Sho winner Ask Victor More emerged, they have been riding a tailwind.

The positive momentum has continued into 2023. Sol Oriens won the Satsuki Sho and the NHK Mile Cup was also claimed by Champagne Color. Supporting their remarkable performances is the off-site facility, the Yamamoto Training Center. What has changed for Shadai Farm? Director Uemizu, who oversees the Tohoku base, answers.

"We have been working on various initiatives, and finally, they are starting to take shape. There have been improvements to the training courses, and the staff members have been enhancing their skills and growing. We have also made progress in sharing information about each individual horse. These elements are gradually falling into place."

The Yamamoto Training Center was established in 1992 and experienced damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, but was subsequently rebuilt. In March 2020, the centre conducted renovation work on the uphill track and started working on the circular track in 2021. The uphill track was extended from 740 meters to 900 meters, with an increase in elevation from 27 meters to 33 meters. These renovations significantly enhanced the training effect. The circular track, which had varying slopes, became almost flat. Both tracks were changed from using polytrack to wood chip surfaces. The director explains, "Since each horse has its own unique characteristics, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but we have become adept at utilizing the improved circular track. We have also created a corner for training purposes, expanding the range of training possibilities." In addition, Shadai Farm in Chitose City, Hokkaido, also renovated their training courses in 2015 and 2019, switching the uphill track from dirt to wood chips.

The creative efforts that involve the entire stud farm have paid off in results, and they have been in good form since the 2-year-old races began in 2022. Among the 2-year-old they encountered that year, they sensed extraordinary potential in one particular horse. The director says, "During the preparations for its debut last autumn, we received reports from the training grounds saying: 'This one is different.' That exceptional talent turned out to be Sol Oriens, who went on to win the Satsuki Sho, undefeated in three starts.

Even after winning the Satsuki Sho, Sol Oriens underwent a short rest period from April 19th to May 4th. "The horse's energy level was slightly higher than immediately after the Keisei Hai, but it quickly settled down, and he ate well at the training centre. Although it was only a two-week break, I believe we managed to send out the horse while maintaining a high level by taking good care of it," proudly states the director.

If a Shadai Farm-bred horse wins the Derby, it will be the first time in 13 years since Eishin Flash's victory in 2010. "As trainer Tezuka said, it's the best horse we've had so far, the horse has continued to grow. I hope it carries the Shadai Farm name proudly and performs well. Of course, we have high expectations," expresses the director. May 28, 2023, will be the day when Shadai Farm celebrates with triumphant cheers.