While horse racing gives nothing but joy, this beautiful sport can be heartbreaking sometimes as horses take retirement. In a similar incident, the Longines 2022 third highest-rated horse and multiple grade 1 winner will hang up his boots. The beloved horse will race for the final time on December 24, 2023.

Spanning over 3 years, Titleholder has had an illustrious career. The 5-year-old made his debut in Japan in 2020 and has won multiple high stakes including the Group 1 Takarazuka Kinen. As he bids farewell to the horse racing community this month, something special has been planned for him.

Titleholder retiring in December

In the latest social media update, Archie Brookes announced the retirement of Titleholder after the prestigious Arima Kinen. “𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗟𝗘𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗘𝗥 will run his final race in the Arima Kinen on December 24th. There will be a retirement ceremony at Nakayama for him”, he wrote. The Toru Kurita trained horse will race last time on December 24th, with a retirement ceremony planned later on at Nakayama.

It’s sad news for horse racing enthusiasts, and the retirement will mark the end of a successful career for Titleholder. He rode last time at the 2023 Japan Cup and produced a blazing performance. Titleholder finished 5th with Equinox running away with the Cup. However, the 5-year-old will look to make the most of his last race at the Nakayama Racecourse.

Titleholder’s illustrious horse racing career

Owned by renowned equestrian Hiroshi Yamada, Titleholder made his debut at the 2020 Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes and finished 2nd. After a 4th place finish in the 2020 Hopeful Stakes, the Duramente-sired soon got his maiden victory at the 2021 Deep Impact Kinen (G2), marking the start of a remarkable career.

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Continuing his good form, Titleholder raced in several Group 1 events in 2021 but couldn’t secure a victory. His efforts were soon rewarded with back-to-back two Group 1 victories in 2022 becoming the Longines 3rd highest-rated horse in the world. The back-to-back victories included Takarazuka Kinen and Tenno Sho (Spring), marking Titleholder’s most successful time in the equestrian world.

After this remarkable achievement, Titleholder raced in several other stakes including the Japan Cup. However, he wasn’t able to secure a victory, reaching the best position of 2nd in the All Corners Stakes 2023. The Arima Kinen will mark his last race, and horse racing enthusiasts would love to see him finish off with a victory at Nakayama Racehorse.

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